Bryce Mitchell will make his bantamweight debut against SAID Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26th. Previously ranked 13th in the UFC featherweight division, Mitchell enters this fight after a period of both competitive success and serious controversy.
Bryce Mitchell vs Nurmagomedov announced
Breaking: Bryce Mitchell will make his bantamweight debut with Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26th. pic.twitter.com/ko3axdhbkb
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_mma) June 4, 2025
Within the Octagon, there is a mix of Mitchell’s recent records. He was knocked out to Josh Emmett in December 2023, but rebounded Cron Gracie with a third-round knockout victory in December 2024.
US-born Bryce Mitchell is known for his grappling skills and records that include 17 wins and three defeats. Mitchell has recently put the spotlight on comments made on the podcast, celebrating Adolf Hitler and eliciting incredible criticism from UFC President Dana White and the wider sports community. Mitchell later announced a public apology, angering him and saying he had no intention of making it clear that he would not tolerate Hitler’s actions, but the backlash continued.
Nurmagomedov, a Russian bantamweight with a record of 18 victories and four defeats, is recognized for his balanced skill set, including effective strikes and grappling for submissions. Nurmagomedov’s UFC Tenure saw him accumulate an 8-2 record in promotions, earning a notable victory in both submissions and decisions. He recently lost his decision to Vinicius Oliveira after a year marked with a cancelled match and limited activity. Nurmagomedov is a respected candidate in the bantamweight division, ranked just outside the top 15, and is looking to reestablish momentum with his famous victory.
The interests of this match are substantial. For Mitchell, his successful debut at the bantamweight division can change the narrative from his recent controversy and help him position him as a fresh candidate in the competitive division. For Nurmagomedov, a victory over a well-known opponent like Bryce Mitchell could strengthen his position and bring him closer to top 15 rankings and future title competitions. Both athletes join the fight with something to prove.
