Bryce Mitchell Spirals Into Bizarre Claims About “Demons” and “Beautiful Women” Haunting Him

In the unpredictable world of MMA, fighters often make headlines for their in-cage performances, but Bryce Mitchell has recently captured attention for entirely different reasons. The UFC featherweight contender is raising serious concerns among fans and fellow fighters with increasingly troubling behavior that’s taken an even stranger turn.

In his latest social media post, Mitchell claimed he’s being haunted by “demons” and “beautiful women” in what appears to be a concerning mental health episode that has the MMA community worried.

A Fighter’s Disturbing Descent

I’ve covered combat sports for years, but rarely have I seen a fighter’s public persona unravel so visibly. Mitchell, known to fans as “Thug Nasty,” has always been something of an eccentric character with his unique worldviews and conspiracy theories. But his recent behavior suggests something more serious might be happening.

The Arkansas native posted a rambling video where he appears visibly distressed, claiming supernatural entities are tormenting him in his home. He specifically mentioned “demons” that take the form of “beautiful women” trying to tempt him.

This isn’t isolated behavior. Mitchell has increasingly shared conspiracy-laden content and unusual statements over the past several months, causing many to question his wellbeing.

The MMA Community Responds

Fellow fighters have begun speaking out about Mitchell’s concerning posts. Former opponent Ilia Topuria commented, “This isn’t about fighting anymore. Someone close to him needs to step in.”

UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who has hosted Mitchell on his podcast previously, said on a recent show: “I worry about Bryce. When someone starts talking about demons, it’s often a sign they’re going through something serious.”

Even UFC President Dana White was asked about the situation at a recent press conference, responding: “We’re aware of Bryce’s social media activity and have reached out to his team.”

A Timeline of Troubling Behavior

The Fighting Career Impact

Mitchell (15-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) was once considered a promising contender in the featherweight division. His unique wrestling-heavy style and submission prowess made him a fan favorite, particularly after his rare twister submission victory over Matt Sayles in 2019.

However, his career trajectory has stalled amid these personal struggles. He hasn’t competed since his December 2022 loss to Ilia Topuria, and there are no fights currently scheduled for the 29-year-old fighter.

You have to wonder if we’ll see Mitchell return to the octagon anytime soon given his current state.

The Mental Health Aspect

While it’s not our place to diagnose Mitchell, mental health experts have noted that claims of supernatural persecution can sometimes indicate underlying psychological issues that require professional attention.

The high-pressure environment of professional fighting, combined with head trauma and the psychological toll of combat sports, creates unique mental health challenges for fighters.

“Combat sports athletes face tremendous pressures that can exacerbate underlying mental health issues,” says Dr. Margaret Johnson, a sports psychologist who works with MMA fighters. “The stigma around seeking help in such a ‘tough guy’ sport makes these situations particularly dangerous.”

What’s Next for Mitchell?

The UFC has protocols for fighter wellness, but they typically focus on physical health rather than mental wellbeing. Several fighters, including Sean O’Malley and Paddy Pimblett, have recently spoken about the importance of mental health support for athletes.

Will the UFC step in? Should they? These are questions the MMA community is currently wrestling with.

Mitchell’s manager declined to comment when reached for this story, saying only that “Bryce is taking some personal time away from media obligations.”

Why This Matters Beyond MMA

Mitchell’s situation highlights something important about combat sports – we often celebrate the physical toughness of fighters while overlooking their mental and emotional wellbeing. When fighters show signs of distress, the community has a responsibility to respond with compassion rather than mockery.

This isn’t just another bizarre fighter story to laugh at. It’s potentially a man experiencing a serious mental health crisis in full public view.

Supporting Fighters Through Mental Health Struggles

If there’s a silver lining to Mitchell’s troubling situation, it’s that it may spark more serious conversations about fighter welfare beyond just physical health. The sport has lost too many athletes to mental health struggles, substance abuse, and other issues that might have been addressed with proper support.

For now, we can only hope that Mitchell gets whatever help he needs, whether that’s professional mental health support, time away from social media, or simply the care of those closest to him.

As fans of the sport, let’s remember that behind the tough exteriors and fight night bravado, these are real people facing real challenges – both in and outside the cage.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, please reach out to mental health professionals or call the National Mental Health Hotline at 988.

What are your thoughts on how the UFC and the combat sports community should handle situations like Mitchell’s? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Source: UFC fighter social media, recent press conferences, and expert commentary