Bryce Mitchell isn’t focused on a particular opponent or date for his next fight after getting back on track last time out.
In December 2022, Mitchell suffered his first professional MMA loss due to a second-round submission from Ilia Topuria. The disappointing performance, combined with personal issues regarding an ex-girlfriend, put extra pressure on ‘Thug Nasty’ to win his next fight.
On September 23, the Arkansas native returned to the Octagon against Dan Ige in the UFC Vegas 79 co-main event. Mitchell utilized his grappling skills throughout the fight to emerge victorious by unanimous decision.
During an exclusive interview with James Lynch of MiddleEasy, Mitchell had this to say about overcoming the pressure to secure his seventh win in the Octagon:
“I just wanted to win really bad, but that’s with every fight, so I guess I responded well to the pressure. I was praying about it much, I know that…There’s no denying that Dan Ige can fight and fight very well. Now I got a win over him, so it makes me look better. I’m excited about the next fight. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I’ve been praying that something good happens.”
Bryce Mitchell isn’t sure what’s next for him in the UFC
Bryce Mitchell is the number ten-ranked UFC featherweight following his win against Dan Ige. Therefore, ‘Thug Nasty’ could be looking at a top-ten matchup next time out to potentially push him back into the extended featherweight title picture.
During the previously-mentioned exclusive interview with MiddleEasy, Mitchell had this to say about who and win he wants to fight next:
“I’m on like five more weeks of medical, so I reckon in like six weeks they’ll offer me something, but we’ll see. They can’t legally offer me anything for like five more weeks…I don’t really have a lot of control over who I fight, so I basically just want to fight whoever they tell me. I’ve been praying about it, but that’s all I can do, pray for a great matchup, and I think something great will happen.”
The reigning UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, has title wins over the top four ranked fighters. Therefore, Bryce Mitchell could potentially secure a title shot with two more impressive wins.
It’ll be intriguing to see if ‘Thug Nasty’ can get the job done to silence the doubters.
Watch Bryce Mitchell’s entire interview with MiddleEasy below:
