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Bryce Mitchell Set to Face Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi After Recent Loss
Bryce Mitchell Set to Face Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi After Recent Loss originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
There's nothing quite like a UFC comeback. Fighters returning from defeat often do so with renewed focus, altered strategies, and something to prove. A recent announcement signals that one of the promotion's most divisive personalities is back—and this time, he's cutting down a division in search of redemption.
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Bryce Mitchell, 30, also known as 'Thug Nasty,' last seen inside the Octagon suffering a second-round guillotine choke loss to the undefeated Jean Silva at UFC 314. That April bout marked Mitchell's second loss in his last three appearances, raising questions about his trajectory in the featherweight division. According to Red Corner MMA, Mitchell is officially booked to return at UFC Fight Night: Abu Dhabi on July 26, where he'll make his bantamweight debut against Said Nurmagomedov. The move to 135 pounds is Mitchell's first major shift since joining the UFC, signaling a possible reinvention after years of grappling-heavy clashes at featherweight.
Mitchell is as unpredictable outside the cage as he is inside it. One minute he's dropping conspiracy theories on cable news, the next he's submitting people with a twister.
(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)(Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Whether it's his outspoken political views, viral post-fight rants, or signature wardrobe choices, he's carved out a lane as one of the UFC's most controversial and talked-about fighters. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov—a slick striker from Dagestan—is also looking to rebound after a decision loss to Vinicius Oliveira in February. With both men entering on a skid, the stakes feel amplified.
UFC CEO Dana WhitePhoto by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
UFC President Dana White and the promotion are still piecing together the Abu Dhabi card, but this matchup adds intrigue and personality to an already anticipated Fight Night. It will be interesting to see if Mitchell can bounce back and settle in at this new weight class, especially with a dangerous opponent like Nurmagomedov standing in his way. A strong showing could open the door for fresh matchups and a revitalized run in a division loaded with talent.
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Related: 'I'll Be Ready' UFC Contender Offers to Back Up Topuria vs Oliveira at UFC 317
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
