Bryce Mitchell believes his move back to bantamweight is already paying off.
The UFC star continued his strong run at 135 pounds last weekend when he submitted Santiago Luna, improving to 2-0 since returning to the division. Mitchell looked comfortable throughout the fight, showcasing the wrestling-heavy style that has made him one of the most dangerous grapplers on the roster.
While Bryce Mitchell remains one of the UFC’s most controversial figures outside the cage, his performances inside it have reminded fans why he remains a threat in any division. After the victory, Mitchell explained why he feels far more comfortable competing at bantamweight than he did at featherweight.
“I just feel matched,” Mitchell said during the UFC Fight Night 278 post-fight press conference. “I don’t feel big, but I definitely don’t feel small. And I feel like when I get my grips, I can take anybody down in that weight class. And I don’t think size will be a disadvantage. I think it’s an equal playing field, whereas I was really outsized at ’45.”
According to Mitchell, his realization came during his loss to Jean Silva, a fight that convinced him a return to bantamweight was necessary.
“It wasn’t until I fought Jean Silva. It was in the second round when I got a good hold of his waist, and I was like, ‘He’s just too big to lift up,’” Mitchell said. “And after fighting Jean Silva, I really felt his presence, and his body weight really wore me down.”
Fresh off his win, Bryce Mitchell also expressed interest in competing on the upcoming UFC White House card if the promotion needs a last-minute replacement.
When asked about the bantamweight showdown between Sean O’Malley and Aiemann Zahabi, Mitchell said he would gladly step in if either fighter were forced to withdraw.
“Hey, if somebody gets hurt and they need me, I’m going to put some Icy Hot on my back and I’ll fight,” Mitchell said. “That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Mitchell also revealed who he is backing in the matchup.
“I’m going to pick the American. I’m going to pick O’Malley. He’s American, and I love Tim Welch and I love O’Malley.”
“I always want people to love me and agree with me, and you know, that’s not my motivation for saying what I say,” Mitchell explained. “It’s not a consensus or trying to appease people. If I say something, it’s generally because I think it’s the right thing to say if my heart’s in the right place.”
“But it’s really nice to see people understand what I’m saying, that I’m not being malicious and that I am happy to be part of the UFC. I am grateful to be here, but I have a voice, too, and I can have my opinions while still respecting everybody.”
Despite taking some damage in his win over Luna, Mitchell has not ruled out making a quick turnaround if an opportunity presents itself.
“I can’t guarantee anything because sometimes I can’t wake up and can’t walk tomorrow and then sometimes I wake up and be like, ‘Oh, I’ll do a backflip,’” Mitchell said. “There’s no way to know until really tomorrow, and I’m going to go home and put some ice on my back.”
For now, Bryce Mitchell appears focused on building momentum at bantamweight. If his recent performances are any indication, he could soon find himself climbing the rankings and moving closer to title contention in his new division.
