Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland attempted to explain the science behind Earth’s spherical shape to fellow UFC athlete Bryce Mitchell, who has previously expressed beliefs in the flat Earth theory.
During a podcast with Patrick Bet-David, UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell shared his skepticism about Earth’s rotation, using a racetrack analogy and a hovering helicopter to argue against mainstream science. He claimed that if the Earth were spinning, a hovering helicopter would need to compensate for the rotation to land in the same spot, concluding that this disproves Earth’s movement. Mitchell reinforced his stance with a biblical reference, urging Christians to recognize the supposed truth. His views align with a broader trend in MMA, where figures like Eddie Bravo and Kron Gracie have promoted flat Earth theories despite scientific evidence. Meanwhile, an upcoming expedition to Antarctica aims to challenge flat Earth claims, but history suggests that committed believers may remain unconvinced.
UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell has positioned himself as an outspoken critic of what he sees as widespread occult and Satanic influences in elite circles. Speaking on Jake Shields’ podcast, Mitchell recounted a personal experience with the occult through a former girlfriend he believed was demonically possessed, an event that led to his Christian conversion. Mitchell also criticized the public education system, arguing that schools indoctrinate children rather than educate them, urging parents to homeschool instead. He disputes scientific theories like evolution and the Big Bang, aligning with his belief in a flat Earth, despite mounting evidence against the theory.
Strickland, showing unexpected patience and scientific understanding, broke down the concepts of atmosphere, gravity, and inertia to support his explanation.
“I want the earth to be flat, you’re my boy, you’re my dog, I want to ride with you man,” Strickland began diplomatically before launching into his scientific breakdown.
He compared the Earth’s atmosphere to an invisible but tangible presence, drawing a parallel to religious faith: “It’s kind of like your God, you know, just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there, but man, I promise you, it’s all around us.”
The former champion went on to explain how the atmosphere functions similarly to an ocean, connecting to the Earth through gravity and inertia. This relationship, he elaborated, explains why aircraft maintain their position relative to the Earth’s rotation.
“So, whenever the earth is spinning, the atmosphere is spinning. So, this is why planes and helicopters continue to spin with us,” Strickland explained.
He further demonstrated his understanding by discussing a theoretical scenario involving atmospheric rotation and aircraft movement, showing how the physics of our planet work in practice.
