Bryce Mitchell will make his bantamweight debut against Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. Mitchell, previously ranked No. 13 in the UFC featherweight division, enters this fight following a period of both competitive success and significant controversy.
Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov Announced
BREAKING: Bryce Mitchell will make his bantamweight debut against Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. pic.twitter.com/ko3axDHbkB
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 4, 2025
Inside the octagon, Mitchell’s recent record has been mixed. He suffered a knockout loss to Josh Emmett in December 2023 but rebounded with a third-round knockout win over Kron Gracie in December 2024. With his move to bantamweight, Mitchell is seeking to rejuvenate his career in a new division.
The US-born Bryce Mitchell is known for his grappling skills and a record that includes 17 wins and 3 losses, Mitchell has recently been in the spotlight for comments made on his podcast, where he praised Adolf Hitler and denied the Holocaust, drawing widespread condemnation from UFC president Dana White and the broader sports community. While Mitchell later issued a public apology, stating he did not intend to offend and clarifying he does not condone Hitler’s actions, the backlash has persisted.
Said Nurmagomedov, a Russian bantamweight with a record of 18 wins and 4 losses, is recognized for his well-rounded skill set, including effective striking and submission grappling. Nurmagomedov’s UFC tenure has seen him amass an 8-2 record in the promotion, with notable wins via both submissions and decisions. He most recently competed in February 2025, losing a decision to Vinicius Oliveira after a year marked by canceled bouts and limited activity. Nurmagomedov remains a respected contender in the bantamweight division, ranked just outside the top 15, and is seeking to reestablish momentum with a high-profile victory.
The stakes for this bout are considerable. For Mitchell, a successful debut at bantamweight could help shift the narrative from his recent controversies and position him as a fresh contender in a competitive division. For Nurmagomedov, a win over a well-known opponent like Bryce Mitchell would reinforce his standing and potentially move him closer to a top-15 ranking and future title contention. Both athletes enter the fight with something to prove.
