UFC President Dana White has publicly condemned fighter Bryce Mitchell after the featherweight made several controversial remarks on his newly launched podcast, including praising Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust. During the inaugural episode of the "ArkanSanity Podcast," Mitchell, who is known for his combative personality, expressed his belief, based on personal research, rather than public education, stating, "I honestly think Hitler was a good guy... before he got on meth." He added, "He fought for his country. He wanted to purify it by kicking the greedy Jews out who were destroying his country and turning them all to gays." These statements have sparked outrage within the mixed martial arts community and beyond.
Mitchell's comments were made against the backdrop of discussing social media interactions involving Elon Musk's gesture, reminiscent of the Nazi salute. Despite the apparent insensitivity and misinformation present within his remarks, Mitchell attempts to downplay his statements by asserting, "I don't want Nazis to win the war" and dismissing the Holocaust as falsehood. He claimed, "When you realize there's no possible way they could’ve burned and cremated six million bodies, you’re gonna realize the Holocaust ain't real," indicating extreme ignorance on the subject.
White responded to Mitchell's claims at a press conference held following the Power Slap event on January 26, 2025, stating, "I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant s*** said over the years, but this is probably the worst." White emphasized the historical devastation caused by Hitler, admonishing, "When you talk about Hitler, he was responsible for the death of 6 million Jews and it was his intent to completely eliminate Jewish people. And that's a guy you would want to go fishing with?" He characterized Mitchell's comments as the epitome of ignorance and beyond disgusting.
Despite his condemnation, White confirmed no disciplinary action would be taken against Mitchell, citing freedom of expression. He reiterated, "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 response brings to light the tension between accountability and free speech within the UFC, where serious offenses have sometimes led to firings or disciplinary actions for lesser transgressions.
Critics within the MMA community condemned Mitchell’s remarks, emphasizing he crossed lines not previously traversed by athletes of the sport. Notably, broadcaster Ariel Helwani remarked on social media, "Each and every day MMA finds a way to reach a new low. A new way of embarrassing itself and those who are fans of it." Helwani highlighted the unwelcome reality of ignorance and bigotry evident among some fighters.
The Antisemitism expressed by Mitchell prompted swift backlash, with Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League stating, "There are simply no words. Mitchell expresses antisemitic, homophobic, and transphobic sentiments, praising Adolf Hitler’s genocide." Many fans and commentators have called for more significant consequences from the UFC, arguing the organization must reflect on its role and responsibilities.
Mitchell is not new to controversy, having previously made outlandish claims, like advocating for homeschooling his children to prevent them from turning "communist" or "gay." His latest remarks, by comparison, mark another level of discourse within the UFC and highlight the potential for harmful ideologies to be amplified within mainstream platforms.
While White’s stance has garnered support for valuing free expression, many are left to ponder the extent to which such freedom should allow for hateful rhetoric. The commitment of the UFC to maintaining its current policy could lead to more tensions within the community, potentially impacting partnerships and sponsorships.
It remains to be seen how the UFC will navigate the fallout from Mitchell's statements and whether any action will eventually be taken. The conversation surrounding free speech versus social responsibility will undoubtedly continue as fans and fighters alike seek clarity on the values upheld by the organization.
Mitchell, who holds a record of 17-3 within the UFC, is scheduled for future fights where his statements may loom over his performances. Until then, the fallout from his podcast continues to resonate, sparking debates on freedom, accountability, and the weight of words.