UFC 314 featured a notable clash between two of the most distinct personalities in the organization.
April 12th proved to be a difficult night for Bryce Mitchell, as he was submitted by Jean Silva at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
While Mitchell did receive some support, both before and after the bout, he wasn`t the more popular fighter heading into the matchup, while his opponent`s standing is rapidly rising.
Silva effectively used the spotlight, generating significant attention leading up to the fight, before delivering an exciting performance.
For Mitchell, who has since reflected on the fight, it`s a matter of resetting and returning to his typical daily routines for the time being.
Jean Silva posts multiple GIFs of himself below Bryce Mitchell’s latest Instagram video
In his most recent Instagram post, Bryce Mitchell is shown intensely chopping a tree stump with an axe.
While this activity isn`t particularly unusual for `Thugnasty`, he takes things to a more precarious level towards the end of the video, during the final swings.
Mitchell starts using his foot to hold the wood steady, bringing him perilously close to injuring himself multiple times.
Given his history of accidental injuries, it`s difficult to watch the video without a slight wince whenever he lifts the axe high above his head.
One fan summarized this observation in the comments, writing, “Stepping on the wood and swinging the axe towards your foot is the most Bryce Mitchell thing I’ve ever seen.”
Jean Silva, conversely, seemed to find great amusement in his former opponent`s video, adding several comments to the post.
Fans are clearly not ready to let Mitchell move on, with the comments filled with Silva GIFs, including two posted by Silva himself.
Silva’s third comment, when translated, said, ‘There’s the morning lololololol.’
His teammate from Fighting Nerds, Caio Borralho, also weighed in with a comment that received significant attention, garnering over 11,000 likes.
“Is easier when the target don’t move right?” Borralho commented.
What’s next for Bryce Mitchell?
The aftermath of UFC 314 makes it clear that Bryce Mitchell will require some time to recover from the loss, and not just physically.
Fans are unlikely to change their views of him quickly, and `Thugnasty` isn`t someone who will disappear quietly.
Mitchell needs to rebuild, but the current time might not be ideal, regardless of whether he cares about outside opinions.
His best course of action right now is likely to take a considerable break to allow the situation to settle before attempting a return to the featherweight division to find success again.
However, given his past, it seems probable that he will continue to be a subject of controversy leading into future fights.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley