Featherweights Bryce Mitchell and Kron Gracie both made their return at UFC 310, in something of a surprising main-card match-up.
With names like Chris Weidman and Aljamain Sterling on the prelims, the billing of Mitchell vs. Gracie alone stood out. Then there was Mitchell, still ranked #13 in the 145lb division after a year away, fighting an unranked opponent with just seven fights to his name. Still, Kron Gracie is a Gracie, and the idea of some slick exchanges on the mat no doubt motivated the matchmakers to book this one.
Within the first minute both fighters found themselves in the clinch, with Gracie pulling guard. Mitchell started throwing punches while in full guard, as Gracie searched for an opening. Each competitors remained in the same position for the rest of the round as Mitchell worked punches to the body of Gracie until the bell. The Arkansas native Mitchell was also a BJJ blackbelt and was defending well against the submissions threats of Gracie through five minutes.
To open the second, both fighters exchanged wild punches before Gracie again pulled guard with four minutes remaining in the round. Again the fight stalled in full guard as Mitchell remained in top position. Then suddenly out of nowhere Gracie threw up his legs attempting an armbar; Mitchell worked out of it but found himself in a triangle. Gracie again transitioned to an armbar that looked very deep. Mitchell was able to work his way out of the threat and land ground and pound until the bell. Wild grappling exchanges in round two brought life back to the Las Vegas crowd.
In the third, Mitchell landed a few big punches before the fight again hit the ground. This time Mitchell positioned himself to land a slam on Gracie after Kron pulled guard, then threw a massive elbow that landed flush on the temple. Gracie was separated from consciousness, laying stiff on the ground as the referee stopped the fight. A massive moment for the in the career of Mitchell, who got back into the win column after his devastating defeat to Josh Emmett. The legendary Gracie family hasn’t had a viable title contender in the UFC in decades, as Kron dropped his third straight.
Official Result: Bryce Mitchell def. Kron Gracie by KO (slam and elbows), Round 3, 0:39
