Controversial UFC hunter Bryce Mitchell seems to be set to switch things up.
The once subdivided and highly recommended Mitchell has hit a rough patch in his career.
In the midst of several controversies away from the Octagon, the American has seen his form in it and lost three of his last five fights.
The difficulty started when Mitchell was dominated by Ilia Topuria during the Run from the Spaniard to the title in December 2022. After a brutal knockout loss for Josh Emmett the following year, Mitchell was choked by Jean Silva in his most recent fight on UFC 314 in April.
Winning about Dan Ige and Kron Gracie has not been enough to keep Mitchell in the featherweight top 15, and 'Thug Nasty' looks to take drastic action when pursuing a return to top form.
Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Bryce Mitchell reportedly set up for UFC Bantamweight Debut against Said Nurmagomedov
After he had stuck his title ambitions on 145 pounds, it seems that Mitchell is planning to cut 10 extra pounds to compete with Bantam weight.
This was recently reported by Red Corner MMA, a reliable source for Russian hunters who claims that 'Thug Nasty' will be welcomed on July 26 at his new division by the aforementioned Nurmagomedov on UFC Abu Dhabi.
After a four-fighting series, Nurmagomedov-not related to people like Khabib and Umar Nurmagomedov-Twee of his last three fights. He was most recently equipped by the rising Vinicius Oliveira in UFC Saudi Arabia in February.
If the matchup is confirmed by the promotion, this would be the first time Mitchell has participated outside the United States.
🚨 Breaking: Bryce Mitchell will make his Bantamweight debut against Said Nurmagomedov in UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26. Pic.twitter.com/ko3axdhbkbb
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_Mma) 4 June 2025
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Fans respond to Bryce Mitchell's surprise UFC Return Matchup
The report quickly received a grip on social media and raised a large number of surprised reactions.
From the weight class to the choice of opposition, many fans are shocked about the apparent plans for Mitchell after his latest brutal setback in the UFC Octagon.
“The most random fight of the year goes to Bryce Mitchell vs, Nurmagomedov said at Bantamweight,” wrote one on X.
“What?”
“The problem is not his weight class, it's his team. Bryce has to train with better sparring partners.”
“Well, this is random.”
“The most random ever.”
“It is cooked at Bantam weight.”
The problem is not his weight class, it's his team. Bryce has to train with better sparring partners.
– Chris Grayheart (@Chrisgreyheart1) 4 June 2025
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When making the move, Mitchell will adjust his sights of champion Vederweight Alexander Volkanovski to Bantamweight Kingpin Merab Dvalishvili.
And with that 'Thug Nasty' will probably have an eye at the UFC 316 event of Saturday, where DvalishVili will fight against Sean O'Malley in a rematch for the title.