Bryce Mitchell Withdraws From Grappling Match, Focuses on Upcoming UFC Fight

UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell has withdrawn from an upcoming grappling match against Israeli fighter Ilay Barzilay at Karate Combat 53, citing the need to focus on an impending UFC fight. He expressed his decision via social media, indicating that he wanted to avoid the risk of canceling a fight after accepting a grappling match. This withdrawal follows a series of controversies surrounding Mitchell, including his recent inflammatory comments about Adolf Hitler, which drew significant backlash. Concurrently, Brazilian fighter Jean Silva, who recently achieved a victory over Melsik Baghdasaryan, called out Mitchell, fueling speculation about a potential matchup. Silva's callout has heightened interest in a clash with Mitchell, which could be pivotal in the featherweight division. Despite his controversies, Mitchell remains a prominent figure in the UFC, with fans eagerly awaiting his next fight announcement.