Bryce Mitchell silenced by barking Jean Silva and loud boos in first UFC 314 promotional appearance
Bryce Mitchell’s return to the UFC stage didn’t go as planned, with loud boos and a verbal onslaught from Jean Silva shutting down his efforts to speak.
The divisive featherweight contender has been in hot water since a slew of controversial comments during the first episode of his podcast. Dana White condemned his words but refused to cut him from the roster, instead matching him with the surging Silva at UFC 314; the biggest card of the year.
Silva called his shot for Mitchell after his knockout win over Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Seattle three weeks ago. He was almost instantly granted the opportunity, and the chance to earn a featherweight ranking within a year of his UFC debut after two bonus-winning performances.
BAD NEWS: Fans predict Bryce Mitchell’s demise after UFC 314 opponent is announcedJean Silva shuts down Bryce Mitchell with barking UFC 314 press conference outingSince his recent controversies, fans have been waiting to see Bryce Mitchell back on the UFC microphone. He was due to compete at Karate Combat, but pulled out in favor of the Jean Silva fight, for which promotion began tonight.
However, after being asked for a statement by John Morgan, he was almost immediately met with a chorus of boos from the raucuous Las Vegas crowd. That was compounded by a barking Jean Silva, who in between bizarre barks let off a flurry of verbal jabs.
Silva came to the stage with a globe, poking fun at Mitchell’s outspoken support of the Flat Earth movement. And he shredded his rival when it came time for him to speak, putting translator Fabiano Buskei to work given his lack of English.
Jean Silva tears into Bryce Mitchell in fiery UFC 314 press conferenceAfter forcing Mitchell to put down the microphone without finishing a religious speech, Silva used Fabiano to get across a very pointed message. He noted that fans were not interested in hearing any more from his rival, and explained how he planned to silence him in April.
“Bryce, you’re going to start seeing the world as round soon,” Silva goaded, and when Mitchell attempted to reply, he continued: “Hey, hey, Bryce Mitchell, calm down bro, you’re only here because of me.
“I have advice for you, don’t pick up the mic, it’s getting ugly. Don’t do that dude, no one wants to listen to you. I’ve got to tell you something. Get used to seeing the world as round, Bryce you know what the crazy thing is? Not even you believe in yourself.
“Bryce Mitchell, chill, everyone here believes in Christ right? Don’t get mad, baby, baby, calm down.”
Who is Dana White? All you need to know about the CEO and President of the UFC
