Jean Silva thinks his knockout power could be very bad for Bryce Mitchell when they fight at UFC 314.
Silva even suggests this fight could end Mitchell`s fighting career altogether.
The fight between Silva and Mitchell, who are featherweight fighters, has become a big deal leading up to this Saturday in Miami. It`s probably the most exciting fight on the whole UFC 314 card. Mitchell has gotten a lot of attention, and criticism, for saying offensive things, like supporting Adolf Hitler and questioning if the Holocaust really happened. Because of this, Silva is really motivated to beat him.
At a media event for UFC 314 on Wednesday, Silva was asked about the fight. He warned that Mitchell might get knocked out badly for the second time in just three fights, which could make Mitchell decide to retire from fighting.
Silva said, “Mitchell has fought tough guys like Ilia Topuria, Edson Barboza, and Dan Ige. He was doing well until he was knocked out by Josh Emmett. I think that knockout really hurt his brain and his feelings, and things haven`t been the same for him since. You can see he’s not as confident as he used to be. It really messed him up.”
Silva continued, “In our fight, Mitchell will try to take me down, but I’ll defend against it. I’m going to hit him in the head, and I might knock him out in the first or second round. We’ll see, but he might need to retire after this fight because he’s going to get some brain damage from it.”
Even though Silva has sometimes insulted Mitchell and sometimes said they could be friends after the fight, Mitchell really doesn`t trust Silva. Earlier at the media event, Mitchell said Silva “treats me like total garbage” and that he’s been having nightmares since their fight was planned.
Silva didn`t like Mitchell`s comment, but he also said he disagrees with Mitchell`s opinions and how he shares them.
Silva explained, “I’ve always respected Mitchell as a fighter. He’s fought really good opponents in the UFC. But it bothers me that he doesn’t understand his position as someone in the public eye. He doesn’t watch what he says and disrespects people, including children. He talks a lot about God, but he wears a t-shirt that shows God with guns around him, which doesn’t make sense to me. There are a lot of contradictions with him.”
The Silva vs. Mitchell fight is one of three featherweight fights on Saturday’s main card. The main event is Alexander Volkanovski against Diego Lopes for the vacant title. Also, Patricio Pitbull, who used to be a star in Bellator, will make his UFC debut against Yair Rodriguez, a former interim champion.
Despite the big names on the rest of the card, Silva believes people think his fight could be the most exciting one to watch.
Silva said, “It’s crazy that we’re getting so much attention even though we’re not fighting for the title. I’m glad Bryce notices it. I have to give him credit for that. But look at me, only five fights in the UFC. Can you imagine how much buzz there will be when I fight for the title?”
