In the United States, a country where conspiracy theories are prevalent, a recent statement by UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has sparked controversy. Mitchell, who competes in the weight class dominated by Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria, his rival and opponent in UFC 282 in December 2022, has openly defended Adolf Hitler. Following his last victory in December 2024, Mitchell rose to 13th in the rankings in his weight class. He made headlines with his statement, “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.”
Mitchell is also known for his Terraplanist beliefs and his claim that COVID-19 was created in a laboratory by the United States government. Additionally, he has questioned the existence of the Holocaust, stating, “When you realize that there is no possible way that they have burned and incinerated 6 million bodies, you will realize that the Holocaust is not real.”
The controversy surrounding Mitchell’s statements led to a response from Dana White, the president of UFC. White criticized Mitchell’s comments, saying, “I have heard many stupidities and ignorance over the years, but this is probably the worst. Hitler is one of the most disgusting and wicked human beings who has ever stepped on the earth, and anyone who tries to adopt a opposite posture is an idiot.” Despite the backlash, White stated that Mitchell would not be sanctioned, citing respect for the freedom of expression of his fighters.
Hitler fought for his country, wanted to purify HIM by expelling the greedy Jews who were destroying his country and turning them all into homosexuals
Mitchell later apologized for his statements, saying, “I did not intend to offend anyone and I’m sorry to have done it. I am definitely not a Nazi and I definitely do not approve of any of the evil things that Hitler did.” UFC’s Jewish star, Natan Levy, expressed disgust at Mitchell’s comments but also acknowledged his freedom of expression, understanding why UFC would not fire him.
I did not intend to offend anyone and I’m sorry to have done so. I am definitely not a Nazi and I definitely do not approve of any of the evil things DONE by Hitler