The Gracie name holds immense weight in the MMA world, synonymous with its very beginnings and early dominance. However, the sport has undergone a dramatic transformation, creating a complex landscape for contemporary fighters, particularly those carrying such a legendary family mantle. For Kron Gracie, son of MMA icon Rickson Gracie, the pressure to succeed in both BJJ and MMA is undoubtedly immense.
In the early days of MMA, a simpler formula prevailed: different martial arts disciplines competing against each other. The Gracies, with their mastery of BJJ, often reigned supreme. Today, the sport demands true well-roundedness, with fighters excelling in striking, wrestling, and grappling. This shift presents a distinct challenge for Kron Gracie, competing in the UFC’s featherweight division – a crucible where this multifaceted approach reigns supreme. Since fighting in the UFC, Kron even moved to Montana to make his own BJJ gym there.
In a recent interview, Kron said: “Growing up, it was all about jiu-jitsu. Everybody did jiu-jitsu to fight. Jiu-jitsu to prove they can beat up a boxer or beat up a wrestler. You’re trying to prove yourself to prove your martial art. Now, it’s merged into a way where you can’t just be good at one martial art and be very successful against everybody who’s at the highest level. My dad doesn’t understand that. My grandfather wouldn’t understand that. This generation is already completely different. I think the martial arts is like your own moulding. Martial arts, for me, is jiu-jitu, boxing and Judo. When I say I’m a martial artist is because I built my own formula and I appreciate all the martial arts.”
Charles Vieira
Charles Vieira is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt. He has travelled the world extensively training on 4 continents.