UFC Fighter Bryce Mitchell Says He's 'Definitely Not a Nazi' After Praising Hitler as a 'Good Guy'

UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell has offered an apology after making antisemitic and homophobic comments on his podcast that prompted immediate blowback, clarifying that he’s “definitely not a Nazi.”

“I’m sorry I sounded insensitive,” the 30-year-old wrote on Instagram on Saturday, Feb. 2. “I definitely was not trying to offend anybody, but I know I did. I know that a lot of people died in the Holocaust, and that’s a fact. Hitler did a lot of evil things, I think we can all agree on that. I’m definitely not a Nazi, and definitely do not condone any of the evil things Hitler did.”

The controversy began with the first episode of Mitchell’s podcast, ArkanSanity, on which he appeared with Roli Delgado, a pro MMA fighter. During the conversation, which was released on Jan. 24, Mitchell praised Adolf Hitler — the Nazi leader who orchestrated the Holocaust — and denied that the horrific mass murder occurred, according to WCNC Charlotte.

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“I honestly think that Hitler was a good guy based upon my own research, not my public education indoctrination,” Mitchell said to Delgado, according to the news site.

Following the interview, UFC President and CEO Dana White heavily criticized Mitchell’s comments.  “I’ve heard a lot of dumb, ignorant s— in my day, but this one’s probably the worst,” White told reporters on Jan. 30, per The Athletic.

He added, “When you talk about Hitler, he was responsible for the death of six million Jews and he tried to completely eliminate a race of people. … Hitler was one of the most disgusting and evil human beings to ever walk the face of the Earth. And anyone that even tries to take an opposing position is a moron.”

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White explained that the UFC had informed Mitchell that his comments were unacceptable. But White said the organization would not take disciplinary action against the fighter because of freedom of expression, according to The Athletic.

“I don’t have to love it, you don’t have to love it,” White added, per the outlet. “That’s the beautiful thing about this business, for all of you who hate Bryce Mitchell, you get to see him hopefully get his ass whooped on global television.”

Read the original article on People