Bryce Mitchell’s second career loss (16-2) came in a truly horrifying fashion.
There were a few late shake ups to UFC 296 this past weekend (Dec. 16, 2023). At Featherweight, perennial top contender, Josh Emmett, was paired with the thrilling Georgian striker, Giga Chikadze, until Chikadze tore his groin two weeks out from fight night. Therefore, Mitchell stepped in on short notice to save the day.
Unfortunately for Mitchell, he wound up on the receiving end of one of the most violent one-punch knockouts in recent mixed martial arts (MMA) history (watch highlights). “Thug Nasty” was seen visibly convulsing in the aftermath of the knockout before he was shakenly carried out of the Octagon. The Arkansas native was able to watch the fight today (Mon., Dec. 18, 2023) once he got back home.
“My first thoughts were that was an incredibly hard knockout,” Mitchell said on Instagram. “I’m really lucky I didn’t get hurt any worse because my head’s not hurting. I feel just fine. I’m right back to work.
“I am so happy with Josh Emmett because right after he knocked me out he could have followed up with the hammer fist and it probably would have killed me,” he continued. “He didn’t even follow up with anything. He was just happy with his knockout and he walked away. I’m so gracious for that, I will forever remember that and I love that whole team, that [Team] Alpha Male team. I love every single one of you guys. Thank you for not hitting me extra, Josh. It takes more of a man to actually do that.”
The post-fight scene was a particularly jarring one as Mitchell attempted to move around the Octagon on autopilot with the assistance of the cageside doctors. UFC commentator, Joe Rogan, was quick to express how instead of aiding the standing Mitchell they should be sitting him down, which Mitchell agreed with in hindsight and was happy to hear Rogan proclaim.
“I couldn’t remember anything actually until they sat me down in that gurney in the back of the ambulance,” Mitchell said. “So everything where it appears that I wake up and I’m talking to Dana [White] (laughs) and talking to everybody, I don’t remember none of that. That’s not even me there. That’s like blackout drunk. I can’t remember nothing.”