Featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell has decided to put all his focus on his UFC career, pulling out of a scheduled grappling match at Karate Combat 53. Mitchell was set to face Israeli fighter Ilay Barzilay, but just days before the event, he broke the news of his withdrawal.
Bryce Mitchell Prioritizes UFC Over Grappling
Mitchell made the announcement himself, even before informing the Karate Combat organization.
“I wanna let y’all know I’m pulling outta my grappling match on Friday,” Mitchell shared on Monday. “This is my first time announcing it. Karate Combat don’t even know yet. So I’m literally announcing it myself before I tell anybody. I don’t want my words to get twisted, and I don’t quite trust them with my words.”
While he didn’t disclose full details, Mitchell reassured fans that something big was on the horizon.
“Reason being is, the great news is I’ve got a big matchup coming up [in UFC], big fight coming up,” he continued. “I don’t know the exact details on the fight, but I’m just telling y’all, something’s coming up and please be patient with me. I wanna fight too, and I can’t wait for this next fight. I’m prioritizing the fight over a grappling match. It’s not worth it for me knowing I got a fight coming up now to do a grappling match on Friday.”
Mitchell’s Past Controversies and UFC’s Stance
Earlier this year, Mitchell stirred controversy with comments about Adolf Hitler, stating he believed the Nazi leader was a “good guy.” His remarks, which referenced fishing with Hitler despite the atrocities committed against six million Jews, drew backlash from the MMA community and beyond. UFC President Dana White addressed the situation but ultimately chose not to take action against Mitchell, allowing him to continue competing in the organization.
Is Jean Silva Next for Bryce Mitchell?
Mitchell, currently ranked #13 in the UFC featherweight division, last fought at UFC 310, where he scored a third-round knockout over Kron Gracie. Meanwhile, Brazilian prospect Jean Silva has been making waves, recently delivering another highlight-reel finish. Silva called out Mitchell following his latest victory, sparking speculation that this could be the fight Mitchell is preparing for.
Jean Silva responds to Bryce Mitchell:
“I’m gonna beat you until you see the earth is round.” 💀#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/mwZ7GaV0IC
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2025
🚨 Bryce Mitchell is pulling out of his grappling match to focus on an upcoming fight:
“The great news is I got a big matchup coming up, big fight coming up.” 👀
🎥 @ThugnastyMMA #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/0sSHVtnzxg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 24, 2025
Oi 🥰 @ThugnastyMMA
— Jean de Lord Silva (@Jeansilvamma96) February 24, 2025
With Mitchell shifting his focus back to the UFC, fans are now left wondering—will Jean Silva be the opponent he’s hinting at? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Bryce Mitchell is gearing up for something big.
