Neiman Gracie is arguably the best representative of the Gracie family currently competing in MMA. He is now scheduled to return to action on April 2 at Bellator 255 and will square off with streaking welterweight contender Jason Jackson. News of the fight was first reported by MMA Junkie.
A black belt under Renzo Gracie, Neiman Gracie is the great-grandson of Carlos Gracie. Given his name and pedigree, it’s no surprise that Gracie has found success using his grappling in MMA. After earning nine straight wins to start his MMA career, he suffered his first loss in 2019 against then-Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald. Gracie bounced back to the win column in September 2020 with a leg lock submission win over Jon Fitch.
Of Gracie’s 10 career wins, nine have come by way of submission. He has spent the vast majority of his career competing under the Bellator MMA banner, making his promotional debut in 2015.
Jackson represents stiff competition. He has won three straight in Bellator, including a November 2020 decision win over former UFC champion Benson Henderson.
On paper, this bout is a straight-forward grappler vs. striker fight, and in all likelihood, that’s how it will play out. It’s no secret what either man is best at: Gracie is an elite submission specialist, while Jackson is a talented kickboxer. With a win, either man could make an argument for a title shot, but will likely still find themselves another win away from a crack at the belt.
Bellator 255 takes place on April 2, 2021 and will air on Showtime. The main event features a featherweight title fight between Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and Emmanuel Sanchez.
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