Conor McGregor explains why he’s ‘very excited’ for Kron Gracie’s UFC debut

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Some mixed martial arts fans may get the sense Conor McGregor respects nothing, but he definitely honors the modern roots of the sport.

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McGregor, 30, was once thought to have one foot out the door of MMA; however, in recent weeks he has been increasingly active on social media. On Saturday, he expressed his enthusiasm for the impending UFC debut of Kron Gracie at UFC Phoenix.

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“Very excited to see Kron Gracie compete tomorrow in the UFC,” McGregor tweeted. “Son of Rickson, partner of Diaz. So much lineage. Very proud and exciting moment here for the prestigious Gracie family. Remember that without this family, none of us would have a job we loved.” He stamped the tweet with, “Good luck and Respect.”

Royce Gracie put Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the map after going undefeated in the first for UFCs and compiling an 11-0 record. Rickson competed mostly in Vale Tudo Japan and PRIDE. He retired from MMA with an undefeated 11-0 record. Countless Gracies have since competed in MMA. Another active Gracie making waves in the sport is Bellator Welterweight Grand Prix semi-finalist Neiman Gracie.

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McGregor famously fought Gracie’s training partner Diaz at UFC 196 and UFC 202 with each fighter winning one a piece. The former two-division UFC champion has recently been linked to a bout with Donald Cerrone after “Cowboy” respectfully called McGregor out.

UFC Phoenix takes place on Sunday, Feb. 17. Gracie (4-0) will face Alex Caceres (14-11).Francis Ngannou meets Cain Velasquez in the main event and James Vick and Paul Felder knuckle up in the co-main. Top-ranked bantamweights Jimmie Rivera and Aljamain Sterlingwage war in the preliminary headliner. Keep up with Bloody Elbow on Sunday for live updates and highlights from all the action.