After suffering the first defeat of his professional career, one of the UFC’s top featherweight prospects is returning to action this May.
Bryce Mitchell (15-1) will face fellow 145lb prospect Jonathan Pearce (14-4) at the UFC’s May 6, 2023 event, which is expected to serve as UFC 288.
BRKRZ was first to report the match-up, with Pearce later confirming the booking. No venue or location has been formally announced for the UFC 288 card.
Mitchell will enter the bout looking to rebound from his first loss in the UFC, or anywhere as a pro. “Thug Nasty,” an Arkansas native who has become one of the more popular featherweights in the promotion, did suffer a loss on The Ultimate Fighter 27, but in an exhibition contest.
After putting together six straight wins under the UFC banner and getting past names including Andre Fili and Edson Barboza, Mitchell was submitted in the second round by Ilia Topuria at UFC 282 late last year.
Pearce has won five straight bouts, and has not suffered a defeat since losing his promotional debut against Joe Lauzon at UFC on ESPN 6 in 2019. “JSP” most recently earned a unanimous decision win over veteran Darren Elkins.
No main event has been announced for the UFC’s May 6, 2023 event. The following match-ups have been reported for the event to date:
- Khaos Williams vs. Ronaldo Bedoya
- Johnny Muñoz Jr. vs. Daniel Santos
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Jonathan Pearce
