UFC Hall of Famer and current Bellator MMA brand ambassador Royce Gracie has his name forever written in the history of MMA. And now it looks like one of his kids is ready to take the same path. After making a successful MMA debut against Ben Clark at Attitude MMA Fights X and won by majority decision he’s been signed to Bellator.

Unlike his first cousins Ryron, Rener, and Ralek Gracie, and uncles Rickson, Rorion or even his father Royce, Khonry never competed in Jiu-Jitsu and went straight to MMA. When asked why he said:

“because tournaments are all about points. Today it’s maybe some of the best guys in the world finish in submissions, but most people in tournaments today don’t submit, they win by point system. It does nothing to do with what i wanna do, which is MMA.”
“When I grew up I played soccer for almost 10 years. I played soccer, I was very focused on soccer. Jiu-jitsu was a hobby. I learned jiu-jitsu and I taught jiu-jitsu, but I didn’t actually need to fight until three years ago I made a decision. ‘Look, when I turn 20, when I turn 21, I’m gonna fight, I’m gonna start my career.’ It wasn’t until three years ago when I officially focused on MMA, but I’ve been training jiu-jitsu my whole life.”
“I had an offer to go play soccer for an university here in California, or I could focus on jiu-jitsu and focus on MMA and try to go pro in that,” he said. “That day came when I had to pick one or the other, so I picked jiu-jitsu. It was all my decision. (Royce) never forced, which I appreciate now looking back at it. I’m glad of the decision I made. No regrets.”

In his amateur debut last September, Gracie wore Bellator MMA gloves to the cage, but teased that he would sign with the first promotion to make a big offer.

“My dad is with Bellator now, so… again, it’s first come first serve. I’ll go anywhere. I just want to fight, I just want to represent my last name, my grandfather’s jiu-jitsu. I’m here for the family, I’m not here to see what promotion I fight for. That has nothing to do with it.”

Apparently the gloves were more than a tease though as Gracie is already scheduled for his debut at Bellator 192 in Inglewood, Calif. against an opponent yet to be named. There’s little doubt his famous father will be in tow for the show.