Jean Silva`s powerful striking could lead to a significant defeat for Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314.
Silva suggests this fight could not only be the end of their match but possibly the end of Mitchell`s fighting career.
The buildup to this featherweight fight in Miami has been intense, making it a highly anticipated event on Saturday`s card. Mitchell has faced criticism for offensive remarks, including support for Adolf Hitler and questioning the Holocaust, fueling Silva`s desire to defeat him.
During a UFC 314 media day, Silva discussed the upcoming fight and warned that Mitchell might experience his second knockout loss in three fights, potentially leading to retirement.
“He fought Ilia Topuria,” Silva stated. “He won against Edson Barboza and Dan Ige. Things were going well until his knockout loss to Josh Emmett. I think that knockout really affected his brain and emotions, causing things to go wrong. He doesn`t seem to approach this fight with the same mindset as before. It really impacted him.”
“In the fight, he`ll likely try to take me down. I`ll defend and strike his head. I might knock him out in the first or second round. We`ll see, but he might need to retire after this fight because he`s likely to suffer brain damage.”
While Silva has alternated between insulting Mitchell and suggesting they could be friendly afterward, Mitchell has expressed strong distrust, stating Silva “treats me like total shit” and that evil spirits have troubled his dreams since the fight was scheduled.
Silva dismissed Mitchell`s comment but acknowledged he disagrees with Mitchell`s expressed opinions and how he voices them.
“I`ve never disrespected him as a fighter or his skills,” Silva said. “He`s fought tough opponents in the UFC. However, I am upset that he doesn`t recognize his position as a public figure and isn`t careful with his words, disrespecting people and children. He talks about God but wears a shirt depicting God with guns, which doesn`t make sense. There are many contradictions.”
The Silva vs. Mitchell fight is one of three featherweight matches on Saturday`s main card, alongside Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes for a vacant title and Patricio Pitbull`s UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez.
Despite the other notable fighters on the card, Silva believes his fight is seen as a potential show-stealer.
“It`s crazy that we are getting so much attention even though we aren`t fighting for the title,” Silva commented. “I`m glad Bryce notices it. Credit where credit is due, but look at me, only five fights in the UFC. Imagine the attention when I fight for the title?”
