UFC featherweights Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva took a very heated build up right into the octagon at UFC 314 on Saturday night with both men looking to prove they belong at the top of the division.
Mitchell (17-2) came into the fight in the midst of controversial comments made recently on his podcast Arkansanity and other outlets. Even with all the noise surrounding him, and a lot of negative backlash from fans and other fighters, he was adamant he was still fully focused on Silva in Miami.
Silva (15-2) has been the most exciting featherweight during his come up in the UFC. The Fighting Nerds team member came in on a four-fight win streak with victories over Westin Wilson, Charles Jourdain, Drew Dober, and Melsik Baghdasaryan.
Silva started out in round one backing toward the fence waving Mitchell forward mocking the Featherweight contender. Mitchell landed a good inside low kick, while Silva marched forward. An attempted takedown from Mitchell put him in control on the ground, but Silva was threatening a guillotine that was extremely tight. After solid work on the feet and coming closing to ending the fight by submission Silva was up after the first five minutes.
In round two Silva pressed forward with hands low looking to counter Mitchell with big shots. In the opening minute Silva was able to floor the Arkansas native with an uppercut up the middle. Mitchell jumped in for a takedown and was able to take Silva to the floor momentarily. Silva got back to his feet and was landing solid combinations on the feet. Mitchell again attempted a takedown and Silva had an answer this time. After almost submitting Mitchell in the first round, Silva switched from a Guillotine to a front choke that made Bryce Mitchell tap almost immediately.
In 8 minutes and 52 seconds of fight time, Mitchell had attempted twelve takedowns only securing one. Mitchell was unable to get his offense going in the striking and could not keep Silva on the ground when he got him into bad positions. With this submission win Silva earns another finish to his impressive record. The fighting nerds are a force as a team and continue to find success across multiple weight classes.
It will be back to the drawing board for Bryce Mitchell who has now lost 3 of his las 5 fights.
Official Result: Jean Silva def. Bryce Mitchell via R2 SUB (Ninja Choke), 3:52
