UFC president Dana White has strongly criticized American fighter Bryce Mitchell for making a series of antisemitic, homophobic, and transphobic comments during a recent podcast. Mitchell, 30, also faced backlash for praising Adolf Hitler, prompting White to express his outrage at the remarks.
During a press conference on Thursday, White expressed his dismay at Mitchell's comments, labeling them as ignorant and offensive. He emphasized the atrocities committed by Hitler, stating that the dictator was responsible for the deaths of six million Jews and attempted to eradicate an entire race.
White condemned Hitler as one of the most despicable figures in history and rebuked anyone attempting to defend or justify his actions. He highlighted the dangers of spreading such harmful rhetoric on social media platforms.
Despite his strong condemnation, White announced that the UFC would not take punitive action against Mitchell, citing the principle of free speech. He acknowledged that fans who disapproved of Mitchell's views would have the opportunity to see him face consequences in the octagon.
Following the controversy, Mitchell's sponsor, The Regenaissance, announced the termination of their partnership with the fighter. The brand's founder, Ryan Griggs, stated that Mitchell's comments were not aligned with their values and beliefs, leading to the decision to sever ties.
Mitchell, who goes by the moniker 'Thug Nasty,' made the controversial remarks during the inaugural episode of his podcast. His comments, which included praising Hitler as a 'good guy' and denying the reality of the Holocaust, sparked widespread criticism and backlash.
While Mitchell has not yet responded to White's comments, the fallout from his controversial statements continues to unfold. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible discourse and the consequences of spreading hateful ideologies.