Bryce Mitchell Pulls Out of Fight – Avoiding a Jewish Opponent?
In a surprising turn of events, UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Israeli fighter Ilay Barzilay. This decision has led many to wonder: Did Mitchell truly want this fight, or was there something else at play?
Mitchell has been at the center of controversy after making highly criticized comments, drawing widespread condemnation—including from UFC President Dana White. As backlash grew, all eyes were on Mitchell to see how he would respond—not just with words but in the cage.
Did Mitchell Back Out to Avoid the Pressure?
Mitchell’s withdrawal raises some serious questions:
- Did he feel the pressure of facing an Israeli fighter amid the controversy?
- Was he unwilling to deal with the intense scrutiny that would come with the matchup?
- Is it just a coincidence that after his comments, he suddenly won’t be fighting?
One thing is clear: Ilay Barzilay was ready to fight. He stepped up without hesitation, prepared to represent himself, his team, and the Jewish people on the global stage.
Bryce Mitchell Has a New Opponent—But What About Barzilay?
Interestingly, despite pulling out of this fight, Mitchell has already lined up a new matchup against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. While fighters often deal with injuries and schedule changes, the timing of this shift has certainly raised eyebrows.
A Missed Opportunity for MMA Fans
Regardless of the circumstances, this was a fight the MMA world wanted to see. The matchup between Barzilay and Mitchell would have been an electrifying clash inside the pit—one that carried weight beyond just another fight on the card.
Looking Ahead
As true fans of the sport, we wish all fighters the best in their upcoming matchups. But make no mistake—a Barzilay vs. Mitchell fight would have been one to remember.
Perhaps one day, that fight will happen. Until then, we move forward. Because real fighters don’t just talk—they step into the arena and prove themselves.
Am Yisrael Chai.