Jean Silva has stated emphatically that a friendship with Bryce Mitchell is impossible, despite their recent grudge match in April settling a bitter rivalry.
The bout at UFC 314 saw Silva dominate proceedings, securing a submission victory over Mitchell. This performance seemingly pushed the controversial fighter out of the featherweight division.
Often, fierce rivals show mutual respect after a fight concludes and a clear winner emerges. However, while Silva acknowledges Mitchell`s skills as a fighter, he desires no personal relationship with him.
Jean Silva not keen on friendship with Bryce Mitchell after grudge fight
Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell’s pre-fight build-up was particularly ugly given how the American had been acting prior to the bout being made. It led to an intense clash, but not a very competitive one as the Brazilian completely dominated proceedings.
From there, they have stayed at a distance from one another. Speaking recently, Silva explained: “We’re not friends and we are never going to be. We respect each other as athletes and fighters but that’s it. I don’t like him as a person, the way he behaves. It’s actually just the way he carries himself in general.”
Bryce Mitchell moving weight class after Jean Silva made him realize key factor
Following the fight, Mitchell has become much less outspoken on social media. He plans to return to the cage and intends to compete at bantamweight (135 lbs), admitting that featherweights like Silva proved too large and strong for him.
In an interview ahead of his scheduled July 26 fight against Said Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi, Mitchell said: “I pretty much made up my mind right after this last fight. The guy was so much bigger than me, and I really felt it in the second round.”
He continued, “In the first round, obviously I could tell he was bigger and stronger, but it was really in the second round where I felt it. I think that I’m a ’35er. My weight’s already come down quite a bit since I started dieting. I got this call two weeks ago, I think. So, I’m excited about it. Everything’s going good.”
Gareth Pendleton