UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has sparked controversy after making antisemitic remarks on his new podcast, “ArkanSanity Podcast.” The Arkansas native, known for his outspoken views, praised Adolf Hitler and denied the Holocaust, prompting widespread condemnation.
The Controversial Podcast Episode
In the podcast’s first episode, co-hosted by Roli Delgado, Mitchell discussed a gesture by Elon Musk that was interpreted as a Nazi salute. Mitchell claimed Hitler was a “good guy” before his alleged drug use, stating, “I really do think before Hitler got on meth, he was a guy I’d go fishing with.” He further defended Hitler’s actions, repeating discredited and extremist narratives about “purifying” Germany.
Despite these declarations, Mitchell has continued to assert that he does not hate Jewish people or identify as a Nazi. Many in the MMA community and beyond have condemned his remarks as historically ignorant and deeply offensive.
UFC CEO Dana White Responds
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the controversy during a news conference in Saudi Arabia, strongly criticising Mitchell’s statements. “I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant s*** over the years, but this is probably the worst,” White told reporters. “Hitler was responsible for the deaths of six million Jews. And that’s a guy you’d want to go fishing with?”
However, White clarified that they would not take disciplinary actions, citing free speech. “That’s the beautiful thing about this business,” White said. “For all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his a** whooped on global television.”
Mitchell’s UFC Standing
Currently ranked 13th in the UFC featherweight division with a record of 17-3, Mitchell has yet to comment on the firestorm. His statements have rekindled discussions regarding what is expected of a public figure in the sports world and where free speech stops and hate speech takes over.
Read More: Saudi Arabia Aims To Host WrestleMania
While the UFC had punished fighters before for controversial statements or actions, not punishing Mitchell shows the selectively in handling inflammatory remarks. The whole controversy speaks of a larger cultural shift where sports figures are increasingly being made accountable for what they say, whether in the cage or outside it.
It doesn’t matter that the discussions would continue; there is one certainty: Mitchell has now become at the centre of yet another controversy over extremism in public discourse.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates