Jean Silva has made it clear that he sees no possibility of ever becoming friends with Bryce Mitchell, even though their bitter rivalry was settled in the octagon back in April.
The feud culminated in a clash at UFC 314, where Silva called out Mitchell following a series of controversies surrounding the American fighter. In the bout, the Brazilian delivered a completely dominant performance, securing a submission victory that effectively removed the controversial figure from the immediate featherweight title picture.
While it`s common for fighters to show mutual respect after a heated contest concludes and a clear winner emerges, Silva expressed that his feelings towards Mitchell extend beyond the fight itself. Despite acknowledging Mitchell`s skills as an athlete, Silva stated he wants no part of any personal relationship with him.
Silva Rules Out Friendship with Mitchell Post-Fight
The build-up to the Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell fight was particularly intense, fueled by Mitchell`s actions and behavior prior to the bout`s announcement. While the anticipation was high, the fight itself proved to be one-sided, with Silva controlling and dominating the action.
Since the fight, the two have remained distant. Speaking recently, Silva was direct about his stance: “We’re not friends and we are never going to be. We respect each other as athletes and fighters but that’s it. I don’t like him as a person, the way he behaves. It’s actually just the way he carries himself in general.”
Mitchell Considers Weight Class Change After Silva Fight
Following his loss to Silva, Bryce Mitchell has been noticeably less vocal on social media. However, he is planning his return to competition and is considering moving down a weight class. Mitchell suggested he might return at bantamweight, admitting that featherweight fighters like Silva were too large and powerful for him.
Mitchell discussed this decision in an interview ahead of his scheduled return on July 26 in Abu Dhabi, where he is set to face Said Nurmagomedov. He explained his rationale: “I pretty much made up my mind right after this last fight. The guy was so much bigger than me, and I really felt it in the second round. In the first round, obviously I could tell he was bigger and stronger, but it was really in the second round where I felt it. I think that I’m a ’35er. My weight’s already come down quite a bit since I started dieting. I got this call two weeks ago, I think. So, I’m excited about it. Everything’s going good.”
