UFC’s Dana White Slams Bryce Mitchell Over Hitler Comments and Holocaust Denial

In a stunning display of poor judgment, UFC featherweight fighter Bryce Mitchell has come under fire for his recent comments during the debut episode of his “ArkanSanity Podcast.” During the podcast, Mitchell shockingly defended Adolf Hitler and denied the Holocaust, triggering a swift and severe backlash from the public and UFC leadership alike.

Dana White, UFC President and CEO, did not mince words when addressing Mitchell’s comments. “I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant s— said over the years, but this is probably the worst,” White expressed in a statement to ESPN. He pointedly criticized the fighter’s perspective on Hitler, emphasizing the historical atrocities committed under Hitler’s regime. “First of all, when you talk about Hitler, he was responsible for the death of 6 million Jews and it was his intent to completely eliminate Jewish people. And that’s a guy you would want to go fishing with?” White questioned incredulously.

A Controversial View on Freedom of Speech

The controversy extends beyond the fighter’s podcast statements. At a press conference following a Power Slap event in Saudi Arabia, White described Mitchell’s statements as “beyond disgusting” and condemned any attempts to revise the universally recognized evils perpetrated by Hitler during World War II. “Hitler is one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the Earth, and anyone that even tries to take an opposing position is a moron,” he declared.

Despite the outcry, White revealed that the UFC would not take disciplinary actions against Mitchell, citing freedom of speech. “It’s free speech,” White stated. “That’s the beautiful thing about this business, for all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television.”

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Extreme Views

White’s comments also touched on the broader issue of how social media platforms can serve as megaphones for harmful ideologies. “That’s the problem with the internet and social media. You provide a platform to a lot of dumb and ignorant people,” he added, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with managing public discourse in the digital age.

The UFC’s stance on free speech raises questions about the balance between upholding free expression and confronting harmful, misleading, or historically inaccurate statements. As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between sports, public figures, and their influence on societal norms and historical understanding.

In the coming days, it remains to be seen how this incident will affect Bryce Mitchell’s career and the broader discussion around accountability and free speech within professional sports and beyond. Meanwhile, the UFC continues to navigate the delicate balance of promoting a sport that thrives on controversy while managing the fallout from statements that cross the line of acceptable discourse.