UFC Fighter Bryce Mitchell Sparks Outrage with Hitler Comments

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — UFC featherweight fighter Bryce Mitchell has ignited widespread condemnation after claiming Adolf Hitler was a “good guy” during a recent podcast episode. The 30-year-old fighter, known as “Thug Nasty,” made the controversial remarks while discussing his independent research on Hitler’s life and legacy.

“I honestly think that Hitler was a good guy, based upon my own research, not my public education and indoctrination,” Mitchell said. “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 into gays.” Mitchell also suggested that Hitler’s actions were justified until he “went full nutty” after turning on Russia and using methamphetamine.

The comments, which included antisemitic, homophobic, and transphobic rhetoric, quickly drew backlash from the MMA community. Prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani called the remarks “unbelievably stupid” and “bigoted” in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Each and every day MMA finds a way to reach a new low,” Helwani wrote. “But ya know, it’s Free Speech, brother.”

Jason Hagholm, another MMA journalist, expressed concern over the trend of downplaying Hitler’s atrocities. “This is what happens when you start taking history books away from schools,” Hagholm said. “The thing is this won’t have any impact on Mitchell as the UFC won’t punish him.”

Mitchell, who hails from Arkansas, has a professional MMA record of 19 wins and two defeats. He last fought in December 2023, defeating Kron Gracie at UFC 310 in Las Vegas. Despite his success in the octagon, Mitchell has a history of making controversial statements. Last year, he claimed he would homeschool his son to prevent him from becoming “a communist” or “gay.”

Under Hitler’s leadership, the Nazi regime was responsible for the genocide of six million Jews and millions of others deemed socially undesirable. World War II, which Hitler initiated, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 19.3 million civilians and prisoners of war.

As of now, the UFC has not issued a statement regarding Mitchell’s comments. The fighter remains unbooked for his next bout.