Kron Gracie is officially returning to mixed martial arts!
The former UFC fighter announced that he’ll headline Victory Fighting League 3 on December 12th, 2025, marking his first fight since parting ways with the UFC.
For many athletes, leaving the world’s biggest MMA promotion signals the beginning of the end — but not for Gracie.
Instead, he’s chosen to reignite his career on the regional circuit, joining the up-and-coming VFL, a promotion that has already signed notable UFC veterans such as Julio Arce and Sheymon Moraes.
Plus, the Gracie’s return won’t just be another comeback fight — it’ll be a championship opportunity! As he’ll face Tom Picciano for the inaugural VFL featherweight title in a five-round headliner.
Both fighters enter the bout with comparable experience: Gracie holds a 5–3 professional record, while Picciano sits at 7–3 after a successful VFL debut two months ago.
For Kron, this matchup represents a chance at redemption.
His last outing ended in a knockout loss to Bryce Mitchellinside the UFC, a defeat that prompted questions about his future in the sport.
Now, he’s looking to prove that his jiu-jitsu-based approach still has a place in modern MMA.
And, yes, every one of Gracie’s professional victories has come via submission — a testament to the Gracie family legacy.
Picciano, meanwhile, sees this fight as the biggest opportunity of his career.
Beating a Gracie carries weight in the MMA world, and a win here could catapult him toward major promotions.
With a balanced skill set and proven finishing ability, Picciano has the tools to pose a serious threat.
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