Kron Gracie kicked off the UFC 288 main card, making his first appearance inside the Octagon in more than three years. Coming off a 2019 loss to Cub Swanson, the Brazilian submission machine returned for a highly anticipated contest with Canadian standout Charles Jourdain.
Round 1
Both men came out hesitant, looking to find their range. Charles Jourdain puts his speed on display early, landing a solid combination on Gracie. Moving Jourdain back toward the fence, Gracie moves in for a takedown attempt, but Jourdain defends and gets back to the center of the Octagon. Uppercut lands for Jourdain as Gracie attempts to close the distance. Right hand from Jourdain lands. Gracie is eating some solid shots from Jourdain, but continues moving forward in pursuit of a clinch. Moving in close, Gracie pulls guard, dragging Jourdain to the ground.
Jourdain remains defensive as Gracie teases a triangle. Jourdain bursts out of Gracie’s guard and gets back to his feet, allowing Gracie to follow. Gracie closes the distance and puts Jourdain against the fence. Jourdain spins out and lands a couple of shots as the round comes to an end.
Round 2
Kron Gracie came out for the second round in hot pursuit of the clinch. Gracie puts Jourdain against the fence once again and pulls guard just as he did in the first. This time, both fighters are against the fence, limiting what Gracie can accomplish. With under two minutes to go, Jourdain got back to his feet. Gracie’s gas tank began to deplete as Jourdain continued to land while on his feet. 45-seconds to go, Gracie again closes distance and pulls guard where they stay until the end of the second.
Round 3
Kron Gracie came out offering a little bit more on the feet, but Jourdain was the much faster fighter standing up. Jourdain delivers a beautiful combination that ends with him ripping to the body of Gracie. Plodding forward, Gracie was clearly feeling exhausted, but was still able to close the distance and pull guard. Jourdain once again fights his way back up and begins laying into the legs of Gracie with a series of kicks. Gracie is allowed back up by the referee with a minute to go.
Jourdain goes back to work, landing at will, but Gracie’s ability to close the distance limits his offense. Jourdain with a solid leg kick. With only 20 seconds left, Jourdain began teeing off on his opponent Jourdain attempted a flying knee in the closing seconds, but could not land it.
Official Result: Charles Jourdain def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Check Out Highlights From Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain at UFC 288 Below:
Kron Gracie steps inside the octagon for the first time since October 2019 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/dDFVCOXlXj
— The Schmozone (@TheSchmozone) May 7, 2023
Gracie took his time getting up 😅 #UFC288 pic.twitter.com/48XbvFHF8n
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 7, 2023
No doubt about it 💪@JourdainAir takes the unanimous decision to open the #UFC288 main card! pic.twitter.com/5KaeFUYjIc
— UFC (@ufc) May 7, 2023
