UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell is once again making headlines outside the octagon, steadfastly refusing to reconsider his controversial historical viewpoints that previously landed him in hot water with UFC president Dana White.
In a recent interview with the press ahead of his upcoming bout with Jean Silva, Mitchell remained defiant when asked about lessons learned from the backlash over his previous statements.
“I’ve learned to be totally fearless,” Mitchell declared. “No man controls me or controls what I say and my research on history is up to me and no man determines what my thoughts and my opinions are, how I raise my son and what is taught in my household and for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
The Arkansas native found himself at the center of controversy last month when Dana White publicly criticized him, reportedly calling him “one of the dumbest people” following Mitchell’s remarks that appeared to defend Adolf H*tler.
He also went on to say German leader in WWII would be a great person to go fishing with.
Rather than backing away from controversial positions, Mitchell has continued to express polarizing views. Earlier this week, he posted content questioning whether gay couples and those using in vitro fertilization should be parents.
When asked if the previous backlash had made him reconsider sharing such opinions publicly, Mitchell quoted scripture: “Therefore, whosoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, so too shall the son of man be ashamed of him in the presence of the Father and the holy angels.”
Despite the ongoing controversy surrounding his statements, Mitchell insists his focus remains on his upcoming card. When questioned about his ability to concentrate amid the commotion, he responded simply: “I’m fully focused, brother.”
The UFC has not issued any formal disciplinary action against Mitchell for his statements, though White’s public criticism was unusually harsh.
