Bryce Mitchell wants it to be clear that his conflict with Jean Silva ahead of UFC 314 is genuine.
After securing a victory at UFC Seattle, Silva called out Mitchell, and the UFC matched them up for a featherweight fight this Saturday in Miami. Silva is motivated to climb the rankings by defeating Mitchell, and also seems eager to humble Mitchell after the latter made controversial pro-Hitler remarks and spread Holocaust conspiracy theories on his podcast.
Silva has been vocal with trash talk, mocking Mitchell`s controversial views, but told MMA Fighting he expects the issue to be resolved in the octagon.
Mitchell disagrees.
“He claims to love Jesus, but calls himself ‘Lord’ and doesn’t act accordingly,” Mitchell stated at UFC 314 media day on Wednesday. “He disrespects me. Based on my interactions with him, he doesn’t have Jesus in his heart because he treats me terribly, and I’m not afraid to say it to his face. If you are a Christian, treat people with respect, which he doesn`t.”
“Jesus has two commandments: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Is he treating me like he treats himself?”
When asked again if he truly felt Silva was targeting him personally, Mitchell responded directly.
“I believe his feelings are negative, and he won’t enjoy it when his face is getting punched,” Mitchell said.
Adding to the unusual pre-fight narrative, Mitchell claimed Silva is responsible for disturbing nightmares he`s had since their fight was announced.
He clarified that he doesn’t actually blame Silva directly, but elaborated on his supposed experience.
“I don’t think Jean is causing my dreams,” Mitchell explained. “I’m not accusing him of witchcraft. I believe Satan has put a spell on me while I sleep, showing me demons and legions of them. I fight them all night, knocking them down, but wake up sweating. Then, I`d dream of beautiful women tempting me to cheat on my wife. This happened for two weeks straight.”
“That`s when I realized this is not normal, something I`ve never experienced before – a spiritual attack. I sought prayer at church, and the nightmares stopped after many Christians prayed for me.”
Mitchell is coming off a third-round knockout win against Kron Gracie last December, a welcome victory after suffering a knockout loss to Josh Emmett. He aims to give Silva his first UFC defeat, as the Brazilian has finished his first four opponents in the promotion.
Despite the surrounding drama, Mitchell assures he is well-prepared for the fight.
“I’m completely focused,” Mitchell said, adding later, “I’m going to personally beat him.”
