UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell recently launched his own podcast, where he made statements that caused widespread controversy beyond the MMA world. Mitchell, from Arkansas, shared his thoughts on Nazism, saying “Hitler was a good guy, based on my own research, not on my public education and indoctrination. Hitler fought for his country, wanted to purify it by expelling the greedy Jews who were destroying his country and turning them all into homosexuals.” He also claimed that the holocaust “was not real” because “there is no possible way that 6 million bodies have been burned and incinerated.”
These statements were widely criticized, including by UFC executive director Dana White, who condemned Mitchell’s words but ruled out any sanctions. Mitchell later apologized, stating that he did not intend to offend anyone and that he is not a Nazi and does not approve of Hitler’s actions. However, the controversy has continued, with many people expressing their opinions on the matter.
One of Mitchell’s friends, Sean Strickland, who is set to fight Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312, has spoken out about the issue. Strickland said, “I don’t think Bryce is a Nazi. I think Bryce is a damn Arkansas idiot who has no education, and I think Bryce is only propaganda.” He also sent a message to Mitchell, saying “Bryce, you are an idiot. You shouldn’t have said that.” However, Strickland also warned that Mitchell is being radicalized and that many people are wrongly supporting him.
It’s worth noting that Mitchell is a graduate of the University of Harding, a Christian university located in the ultraconservative town of Searcy, Arkansas. The university has a strict set of rules, including nightly curfews and required chapel attendance. Mitchell has claimed that his statements about Hitler have nothing to do with his education or indoctrination at the university. Despite this, many people are analyzing the possible reasons behind his comments and how he came to hold such views.