Kron Gracie’s Comeback Stopped by NYSAC
Kron Gracie’s long-awaited MMA return has been halted after the New York State Athletic Commission denied him medical clearance for his scheduled bout at Victory Fighting League 3. Gracie was set to compete on December 12, 2025, in what would have been his first fight since parting ways with the UFC. Instead, the event was forced to move forward without him after the commission declined to issue him a license to compete.
The setback is significant, as Gracie had already completed months of preparation and had been cleared by his personal medical team. Despite this, the NYSAC made the final call, leaving the promotion to reorganize the card. The co-main event between T.J. Brown and Dylan Mantello was elevated to the headline slot following Gracie’s withdrawal.
Why the New York Commission Blocked the Fight
The New York State Athletic Commission maintains some of the strictest medical requirements in combat sports. Fighters must pass extensive physical and neurological evaluations before being approved to compete. While the commission did not publicly disclose the specific issue that prevented Gracie from receiving clearance, the denial means at least one medical standard was not met.
Gracie expressed his disappointment shortly after the news surfaced. He noted that his doctors had fully cleared him and described the licensing process as unusually difficult. The abrupt cancellation came after weeks of training expenses, travel arrangements, and promotional commitments, all of which were rendered meaningless once the commission declined his application.
A Major Delay in Gracie’s Post-UFC Career
This missed opportunity arrives at a challenging time for the Brazilian jiu-jitsu standout. Gracie last competed in December 2024 at UFC 310, where he suffered a knockout loss to Bryce Mitchell. His UFC run ended the following year after a 1-3 stretch, prompting him to reset his career on the regional circuit.
Victory Fighting League 3 was set to mark an important step in that journey. A strong showing in his return bout could have helped rebuild momentum and demonstrate that he remained a threat in the featherweight division. Instead, the cancellation leaves him without a confirmed date for his next appearance and prolongs his competitive layoff.
What Comes Next for Kron Gracie
Victory Fighting League officials have stated their intention to rebook Gracie once the licensing issues are resolved. Early 2026 has been mentioned as a realistic timeline if the medical concerns can be addressed and approved by the commission.
For now, Gracie must wait for further evaluation and work with regulators to regain eligibility. His absence from the card creates uncertainty around his comeback plans, but both the promotion and Gracie himself appear committed to making the return happen once all requirements are met.
Gracie’s denied clearance serves as a reminder of how strict medical oversight has become in modern MMA, especially in high-regulation states like New York. Whether his comeback resumes early next year will depend entirely on his ability to meet those standards and secure a clean bill of health.
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