On April 12, one of the most controversial fighters in the UFC will step inside the Octagon to face a surging fan favorite at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
Tensions ran high at the UFC 314 press conference but surprisingly, it wasn’t Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva that had to be separated away from each other.
There was still a palpable intensity from both men during their face off but Mitchell was even able to produce one of the funniest lines of the presser.
‘Thug Nasty’ has not been a popular personality in recent times but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mitchell has some quality wins inside the Octagon.
Their feud also didn’t stop the outspoken American from complimenting his opponent just days before their heated encounter on the main card.
Bryce Mitchell credits Jean Silva for selling their UFC 314 fight ‘perfectly’
When it comes to the fights that fans are most excited to see at UFC 314, the featherweight matchup between Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva is right near the top.
Either man was going to attract a lot of interest for their next outing based on what they have done in recent times but their two personalities colliding has only turned up the heat.
From the moment that they first started to exchange comments at the initial press conference in March, it was clear that this was going to be one of the most talked about matchups of the year so far.
Mitchell has said some bold things about his next opponent in the build up to UFC 314 whilst Silva has claimed that the grappling specialist will suffer significant and long lasting damage on April 12.
Despite their war of words and contrasting attitudes, the American did give his opponent props for the way that he has got people invested in the contest.
Mitchell was asked by Ag. Fight to give his thoughts on how Silva has promoted this fight by referencing his controversial opinions and previous losses.
‘Thug Nasty’ didn’t just give the surging featherweight credit for selling the fight, he thanked him for it.
“I think he sold the fight perfectly, that’s what I’m really grateful for. Nobody could have sold the fight better than he did so my hats off to him dude. I mean, people are watching because of him.”
Bryce Mitchell also recognises the challenge that is in front of him
Whilst they clearly have some differences, that doesn’t mean that Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva can’t respect one another as competitors.
Silva already spoke highly of his next opponent at the press conference with the Arkansas native echoing a similar sentiment in his interview with Ag. Fight.
The Brazilian has a lot of momentum behind him right now having hit the ground running in the UFC since making his debut in January of last year.
With respect for Silva’s ability, Mitchell believes that getting his hand raised won’t just be another mark in the win column, it will force people to reconsider how good he truly is.
“He is a great fighter, so what does that make me when I win? Maybe even more than great because if I beat him and he’s great, that means I’m really something great huh.”
