Bryce Mitchell Announces Hiatus After Scary Knockout Loss at UFC 296

Bryce Mitchell has decided to take a short hiatus following his brutal knockout loss to Josh Emmett last month.

Mitchell (16-2) stepped in on short notice, replacing an injured Giga Chikadze against Emmett (19-4) at UFC 296. Emmett, known as one of the hardest punchers in the entire sport, knocked out Mitchell with an overhand right in the very first frame. As such, “Thug Nasty” has decided to go on his own “concussion protocol” as a result, which will consist of a six-month rest.

“I’m on my own concussion protocol. I’ll consult with my coaches, too, and we’re basically just saying, ‘You know, don’t spar for six months.’ I’ve got to [build a new house] and [expecting my first child], but then I’m right into my next training camp after that. The good thing is that I don’t have to rush into it,” the 29-year-old told ESPN.

Sherdog’s 2023 “Knockout of the Year” was also the first KO of Mitchell’s career. The featherweight was seen convulsing on the canvas, which expectedly left his near ones very concerned.

“The worst part is dealing with everybody afterward, because they all thought I was dead. Everybody that I knew was crying. On the bright side, that was the easiest fight for me. I’ve never had a fight where I’ve come out feeling so great. I just woke up in the ambulance and barely remembered what happened. There’s no pain, I’m telling you. But everybody was crying, and they thought I was dead; I’m not exaggerating.”

This was Mitchell’s second loss in three outings, with the other coming against Ilia Topuria, who is now set to compete for the featherweight title at UFC 298.