Conor McGregor is pumped for the
UFC on ESPN 1 card on Sunday night, specifically for the promotional debut of
Kron Gracie. The 30-year-old is part of the legendary Gracie family who played a huge part in the development of Mixed Martial Arts through their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. Kron’s father is Rickson and grandfather Helio Gracie, both of whom are iconic names in the sport.
The Brazilian comes into the UFC with a 4-0 record, with all four victories coming by submission and he takes on Alex Cacares on his debut in Phoenix, Arizona. Plenty are excited to see how Kron gets on in the big leagues, and none more so than Conor McGregor.
‘Very excited to see Kron Gracie compete tomorrow in the UFC,’ McGregor tweeted. ‘Son of Rickson, partner of Diaz. So much lineage. ‘Very proud and exciting moment here for the prestigious Gracie family. Remember that without this family, none of us would have a job we loved. ‘Good luck and Respect.’
The Gracie family shot to stardom at UFC 1 when Royce Gracie ran through the competition to win the first ever tournament the organisation put on. The Jiu-Jitsu master submitted Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock and Gerard Gordeau in one night to triumph. The tournament format continued and Gracie went on to win UFC 2 as well, cementing his place at the top of MMA in its early days.
Kron has competed solely in Japan in his career so far, picking up one victory in Real Fighting Championships and then three in Rizin. His opponent on Sunday night, Caceres, holds a professional record of 14-11 and one no contest, last winning a split decision over Martin Bravo in July last year. The card is headlined by the returning
Cain Velasquez who takes on
Francis Ngannou at heavyweight.