Bryce Mitchell expects fireworks when he steps into the Octagon against undefeated prospect Santiago Luna at UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday night.
“I know he’s a Mexican bro, and that’s all you need to know,” Mitchell told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“Mexicans they fight hard, they’re fearless, he’s a warrior of God. I expect nothing but a hard fight out of him. He’s undefeated for a reason, and it’s going to be a great fight because he brings forward pressure, and I bring relentlessness. You mix those two together you’re going to get a great fight. The fans are going to be in for a treat.”
Mitchell (18-3) was visibly excited when discussing the matchup with Luna, knowing both fighters bring aggressive styles and a willingness to push a high pace inside the Octagon.
The Arkansas native expects the fight to deliver plenty of action and believes it’s exactly the kind of matchup fans love to watch. With both men known for hunting finishes, Mitchell anticipates an entertaining battle from the opening bell.
“I really do think that there’s going to be a finish in the fight because of the pace that this man brings. This guy Luna he is just a forward fighter. He loves to go forward, he does not mind wrestling, he does not mind boxing, and he even throws kicks. I’m just telling you guys there’s no way that this could be a boring fight,” he said.
“When you add two fighters like me and him together it’s very entertaining and with a win I look to progress to the next fight.”
Mitchell didn’t hold back when asked about reports that Sean Strickland had been banned from the upcoming UFC event at the White House. Known for being outspoken on political and social issues himself, Mitchell framed his response around what he believes should be protected speech, regardless of whether people agree with the opinions being expressed.
“I’m not surprised at all. Freedom of speech is what really makes this country great, and when you can’t criticize a foreign nation, a FOREIGN nation, come on man. We ought to be able to criticize our own nation, let alone a foreign nation, in fact…that’s the only nation you’re not allowed to criticize,” he said.
Mitchell praised the UFC’s planned Freedom 250 event and expressed support for the fighters competing on the card, he also questioned whether the federal government should be involved in hosting sporting events. Mitchell said he sees the event as a major opportunity for the promotion but believes government resources should be focused elsewhere.
“I ain’t jealous of any of those fighters. I am so happy for those fighters. I don’t think you could have got a better main event. If they need me to fill in, if I’m healthy, hey i’ll do it. For the UFC, I think it’s great. It’s beyond great. It’s literally the perfect scenario,” said Mitchell.
“What I think personally is our government is desecrating it’s role in society by entertaining sports. Our government is to protect and serve the people and really should be as minimal as possible. When you’re doing all of this stuff, hosting sporting events, it’s really outside of what the goal of the government was intended to be. Our tax dollars and resources are funding this operation, and like I said, I’m not criticizing the UFC, but the government should never be hosting sporting events because there’s more room for corruption and we already have a corrupted government. The government is supposed to protect us, not entertain us.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Bryce Mitchell above. He faces Santiago Luna at UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday night.
