UFC President Dana White Slams Bryce Mitchell’s Offensive Comments on Hitler: UFC President Dana White did not hold back when responding to featherweight fighter Bryce Mitchell’s controversial comments on his podcast, where he defended Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust, and made harmful remarks about the LGBTQ+ and Jewish communities. White called out Mitchell’s remarks as “dumb and ignorant,” offering a strong condemnation.
“I’ve heard a lot of dumb and ignorant things over the years, but this is probably the worst,” White stated in a response to ESPN. “You can’t talk about Hitler like that. He was responsible for the deaths of 6 million Jews, and he wanted to wipe out an entire group of people. And you’re telling me that’s someone you’d want to hang out with? It’s ridiculous!”
Mitchell, in the first episode of his “ArkanSanity Podcast,” shocked listeners by suggesting that Hitler was a “good guy” who “fought for his country.” The comments quickly drew backlash, with many calling them not only historically inaccurate but also deeply offensive.
White addressed the situation with more fury during a news conference at a Power Slap event in Saudi Arabia, calling Mitchell’s comments “beyond disgusting.” He made it clear that he believes Hitler’s actions are indefensible, referring to him as “one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the Earth.” White’s frustration with the rise of harmful rhetoric online was evident, as he added, “That’s the problem with the internet and social media. They give a platform to people saying dumb and ignorant things.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, White was clear about the UFC’s stance. When asked about possible consequences for Mitchell, White stated that the organization would not be taking disciplinary action. “It’s free speech,” White said, emphasizing the right of individuals to express their opinions, no matter how controversial. “For all of you who dislike Bryce Mitchell, you get to watch him fight on global television. That’s part of what makes this business great.”
While White is clearly taking a firm stand against Mitchell’s remarks, his statement also sheds light on the broader conversation surrounding freedom of speech in today’s world. In an age where social media platforms amplify opinions and misinformation, there is often a fine line between promoting free expression and allowing harmful rhetoric to spread unchecked.
This incident is a stark reminder of how the internet has become a double-edged sword—while it gives individuals the freedom to voice their thoughts, it also offers a dangerous stage for those who spread hate or distort history. As we move forward, it’s essential that platforms and organizations alike take responsibility for the content shared and ensure that they are promoting respect, truth, and understanding in our interconnected world.
How This Affects the UFC and Our Society
This entire situation isn’t just about Bryce Mitchell or the UFC. It’s part of a larger issue we’re facing in society today—how to handle the balance between freedom of expression and accountability. For organizations like the UFC, this is a delicate matter. While White may have made it clear that the UFC won’t punish Mitchell for his views, it’s important to ask: does this kind of rhetoric really belong on the same stage as athletes who strive to be role models?