UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has sparked widespread outrage after making antisemitic remarks during the inaugural episode of his podcast, ArkanSanity. The featherweight fighter made headlines on January 24, 2025, for praising Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust, comments which have prompted swift condemnation from UFC President Dana White.
On the podcast, Mitchell claimed, "I really do think before Hitler got on meth, he was a guy I’d go fishing with," showcasing his controversial view on the infamous dictator. He elaborated on his thoughts, stating, "He fought for his country. He wanted to purify it by kicking the greedy Jews out..." His comments have been described by many as not only insensitive but as promoting dangerous ideologies reminiscent of historical atrocities.
White, who addressed the media on January 31, 2025, expressed his disgust at Mitchell's remarks. He stated, "I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant (stuff) said over the years, but this is probably the worst," highlighting the severity of the claims made on the podcast. White continued by emphasizing the historical truth surrounding Hitler's actions, reminding listeners, "Hitler was responsible for the death of 6 million Jews and it was his intent to completely eliminate the Jewish people." His condemnation was clear as he characterized Hitler as "one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the Earth."
Despite the outrage, White made it clear the UFC would not impose any disciplinary measures on Mitchell, citing freedom of speech. He remarked, "That’s the beautiful thing about this business... For all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television." This stance has raised eyebrows as many believe it sends the wrong message about accountability and the responsibilities public figures have when discussing sensitive topics.
Mitchell's remarks extended beyond just praise for Hitler. He dismissed the Holocaust, claiming, "The Holocaust ain't real," which has been widely condemned as misinformation. His podcast partner, Rolando “Roli” Delgado, engaged with these ideas, leading to a broader discussion about history and personal beliefs without challenging the dangerous narrative put forward by Mitchell.
The backlash against Mitchell has not only come from fans and media but also from within the MMA community. Natan Levy, an Israeli UFC fighter, publicly offered either to compete against Mitchell or take him on a trip to Holocaust memorials to educate him. Levy tweeted his desire to dispute the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by figures like Mitchell, stating, "We don’t have horns, we don’t all conspire to take over the world, we just trying to live our lives and enjoy the sun." Such statements reflect the community's desire to counteract the misinformation being spread.
This incident raises larger questions about the intersection of sports, free speech, and social responsibility. While White's comments on free speech resonate with many, critics argue they should come with consequences when perpetuating hate-filled rhetoric—especially when it poses risks to societal coherence and remembers painful historical truths.
Mitchell, who holds a professional record of 17 wins and 3 losses, is currently ranked 13th within the UFC's featherweight division. He has recently come off a victory over Kron Gracie. This controversy could overshadow his athletic achievements and impact his standing within the UFC, potentially affecting sponsorship opportunities and fan support.
The potential repercussions of his statements remain to be seen as Mitchell prepares for future fights amid this heated criticism. The UFC finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the importance of artistic expression and the promotion of its fighters against the responsibility to condemn hateful speech. The broader community is watching closely to see what legacy this episode will leave on the reputations of both Bryce Mitchell and the organization he fights for.