UFC president Dana White has denounced remarks made by fighter Bryce Mitchell regarding Adolf Hitler as “utterly repugnant”.
The 30-year-old featherweight athlete expressed his belief that the German dictator was a “good guy” and consistently refuted the occurrence of the Holocaust during the inaugural episode of his podcast, ArkanSanity.
In response to these statements at a media briefing on Thursday, White stated that Mitchell “requires a thorough education regarding the truths about Hitler and World War Two”.
He remarked: “Hitler epitomizes one of the most vile and malevolent individuals to ever inhabit the Earth, and anyone attempting to take a contrary stance is an imbecile.”
“This highlights the issue with the internet and social media. They provide a platform for numerous foolish and uninformed people.”
UFC chief Dana White described the comments as ‘utterly repugnant’. Pic: AP
White further indicated that UFC promptly contacted Mitchell to “express our feelings explicitly about the situation”.
Despite these remarks, he will not encounter any disciplinary measures, as White cited the principle of freedom of expression.
Mitchell has competed in the UFC, the premier mixed martial arts organization, since 2018, achieving victory in his most recent bout against Brazilian Kron Gracie in December.
Read more from Sky News:
Junior doctors labeled ‘clinical marshmallows’ in email
‘Revolutionary’ sickle cell treatment to be made available by NHS
Sports reporter Ariel Helwani, recognized for his coverage of mixed martial arts, criticized Mitchell’s remarks on X, stating: “Every single day, MMA manages to reach a new low. It continually finds ways to embarrass itself and its fans.”
“No corrective action will be taken, and frankly, I don’t care if anything happens. Speak your mind. It simply astounds me how remarkably foolish – not to mention prejudiced – some individuals within or associated with the sport can be.”
The UFC is a mixed martial arts (MMA) organization that organizes contests globally.
