UFC President and CEO Dana White has publicly condemned mixed martial artist Bryce Mitchell for making antisemitic and homophobic remarks on a podcast. During the podcast, Mitchell not only praised Adolf Hitler but also denied the Holocaust, sparking widespread backlash. White, addressing the media in Saudi Arabia, expressed his outrage, calling Mitchell’s statements the worst he had ever heard. He emphasized the historical facts of Hitler’s crimes, highlighting the Nazi leader’s responsibility for the deaths of six million Jews.
UFC Labels Statements as Unacceptable
White confirmed that the UFC informed Mitchell that his comments were unacceptable. He reaffirmed that Hitler was one of the most evil figures in history and criticized those who attempt to justify or defend him. He also pointed to the dangers of social media, arguing that it provides a platform for ignorant and harmful opinions. White’s strong stance makes it clear that the UFC does not support or condone Mitchell’s views in any way.
Despite the controversy, White stated that the UFC would not take disciplinary action against Mitchell, citing freedom of speech. He acknowledged that while the organization strongly opposes Mitchell’s views, it respects an individual’s right to express themselves, even when their opinions are widely condemned. This decision reflects the UFC’s long-standing position on allowing fighters to speak their minds, regardless of how controversial their statements may be.
White’s Response to Backlash
White addressed potential backlash from fans, stating that those who dislike Mitchell will have the opportunity to watch him fight and potentially lose in the Octagon. He made it clear that while he finds Mitchell’s comments disgusting, he does not believe it is the UFC’s role to police free speech. Instead, he emphasized that Mitchell will have to face public and professional consequences for his words.
Bryce Mitchell currently holds a professional record of 17-2, with an 8-2 record in the UFC. His most recent fight was a TKO victory over Kron Gracie in December, marking his return after suffering a knockout loss to Josh Emmett in late 2023. Despite his success in the sport, his recent statements have overshadowed his achievements, drawing criticism from both fans and fellow fighters. Whether this controversy affects his career in the long term remains to be seen.