LAS VEGAS – Thanks to Bryce Mitchell, homeless and sick children in his home state of Arkansas will receive a large sum of money. But the ball won’t stop at UFC 272.
Following his dominant win Saturday over Edson Barboza, Mitchell (15-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) announced intentions to donate half of his purse ($45,000) to charity. His boss, however, was moved enough to tell Mitchell he instead will donate the sum.
“Dana White came up to me after the fight and he said, ‘Don’t give your money. I’m going to give the $45,000,’” Mitchell told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “I’m still going to give some money. He told me. He said, ‘Don’t give any of your money. It’s going to be mine and I’m going to take care of it.’
“I’m still going to do something, because I just need to. There will be more than $45,000. We have people coming out of the woodwork, so I’m planting the seed. We’re going to watch this thing grow. It’s all about giving back. Like I said, this ain’t going to be about just hurting people, when I’m done. We’re going to help people.”
Appreciative of White’s donation, Mitchell still feels inclined to assist in some manner – whether it be financial or otherwise. That’s a trend he plans to continue for the length of his career. Building a legacy as a fighter is important, but Mitchell sees the impact he can make in charitable ways as truly everlasting.
“Children are some of the most precious things on the planet, brother,” Mitchell said. “I see so much evil and wickedness in the world and so much greed. People (are) killing for money. It makes me sick. I want to do the exact opposite. Do you know what the greatest thing I can do in that cage is? It’s inspire. That’s the greatest thing I can do in that cage is inspire people. Let me tell you why: Because me by myself, I really can’t do sh*t.
“My $45,000, when it comes to medical professions, it really ain’t sh*t. That sh*t is gone in one surgery. That sh*t is gone in a couple skin grafts. Do you see what I’m saying? But if I can inspire you, and you, and you, and you, then it’s limitless. Do you see what I’m saying? It keeps going. It’s perpetual. So the greatest thing I can do is inspire. I really feel like I’ve done that. I really feel like I owe that to God. … Every time that I fight, there will be children healed through the fight.”
Beating Barboza was a massive win for Mitchell, who continues to roll in his professional career. Potentially entering top contender status, Mitchell isn’t selling himself any shorter than the matchup that could win him the ultimate in-cage accolade.
“I feel like I want a title shot, but I’m just waiting in the lunch line,” Mitchell said. “I’m not going to try no lunch line. I’m just doing everything I’ve got to do to earn my spot. Obviously, I’m going to say title shot if you ask me what I want.”
UFC 272 took place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena. The main card streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view after prelims on ESPN/ESPN+.