UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell has pulled out of his scheduled grappling match against Ilay Barzilay at Karate Combat, citing an unexpected and controversial reason that has sparked heated discussions across social media.
Mitchell’s Accusation: ‘Y’all Tried to Queer Me Out’
Mitchell, known for his outspoken nature and unfiltered takes, took to social media to express his displeasure with Karate Combat. According to him, the promotion digitally altered his promotional photo to make him appear more “feminine.” In his own words:
“You did up my ears and you did up my eyebrows. And the photo looks feminine. Y’all tried to queer me out.”
Mitchell’s video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans and fighters alike. Some supported his frustration over the edited photo, while others criticized his choice of words and the perceived overreaction.
Karate Combat President Responds
Following the backlash, the president of Karate Combat issued a public apology, admitting that Mitchell’s photo had indeed been edited but denying any malicious intent.
“I deeply apologize to Bryce Mitchell. I take responsibility for the mistake of my team editing the photo of his ear and eyebrow, which made the photo look feminine. BY NO MEANS DID MY TEAM OR I INTENTIONALLY ATTEMPT TO ‘FEMINIZE’ BRYCE.”
However, in a move that only added fuel to the fire, the Karate Combat president also took a jab at Mitchell’s response, stating:
“Him being this upset and dramatic over a picture is far more feminine than the edited picture.”
This remark ignited further debates, with some praising the president’s bluntness while others accused him of escalating an already sensitive situation.
Impact on Ilay Barzilay and the Event
While Mitchell’s withdrawal made headlines, the grappler most affected by his decision was Ilay Barzilay, who was left without an opponent just days before the match. According to the Karate Combat president, Barzilay found out about Mitchell’s decision through social media rather than direct communication.
“The opponent, this fight meant a lot to him. It really had some serious sentimental value to him. He’s just absolutely heartbroken to hear this on social media for the first time.”
For Barzilay, this was not just another grappling bout—it was a career opportunity. Losing an opponent in such an abrupt and controversial manner was understandably frustrating for him and his camp.
Mitchell’s Justification for Pulling Out
Although Mitchell initially pointed to the edited photo as a major factor in his decision, he later clarified that his main reason for withdrawing was his UFC career. The Arkansas native revealed that he has a significant fight coming up and didn’t want to risk injury in a grappling match beforehand.
In an Instagram post, he stated:
“I’m dun messin around with any grapplin matches for a while. I have to fite wen I have the chance. And things just got stirred up in my division this week, so I need to b on standby.”
His decision aligns with a common strategy among UFC fighters, who often avoid non-MMA competition when a major fight is on the horizon.
What’s Next for Bryce Mitchell?
While Karate Combat may have lost Mitchell as a competitor for this event, he remains one of the most unique personalities in MMA. If his claims of a “big fight” coming up are accurate, fans will likely learn about his next UFC opponent soon.
For now, the only certainty is that Bryce Mitchell once again found himself at the center of controversy—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
