Bryce Mitchell is a polarizing figure in MMA. His sometimes controversial comments typically draw headlines and robust reactions from fans but this time what he said is getting attention for a whole new reason.
According to a clip from the ‘Thrill and the Agony’ series on ESPN+, Mitchell says he’s considering ending his MMA career.
“I’m just feeling … I guess regret, you know?” he said directly following the loss. “I just know I could have done better. I’m just in so much pain that I don’t think it’s worth it to keep going. I want to stop with MMA and I want to take every little bit of focus that I spent every day on MMA, I want to put it into something else.”
Ahead of the fight Mitchell was 15-0 and considered one of the UFC’s biggest prospects. That all came crashing down when a fellow undefeated fight, Ilia Topuria, submitted him in the second round.
“Everything is meant to be and I’m just going to move on with my life and take all the energy I spent doing MMA, and I’m going to put it into something else. I think I’m going to be extremely successful,” he continued. “That’s why I’m just saying I should f—ing retire after that dude before I go any further, and move on with my life. I just don’t ever want to feel this much pain.”
Robert Whittaker reacts to not facing Paulo Costa at UFC 284: ‘This is very upsetting’
Bryce Mitchell considers retirement after UFC 282 loss: ‘I just don’t ever want to feel this much pain’
