UFC fighter compares 'Israel' & US gov to Darth Vader

• Bryce Mitchell defended free speech while discussing reports involving Sean Strickland and a UFC White House event.
• The UFC fighter criticized government involvement in entertainment and warned about political corruption.

UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell delivered a wide-ranging political critique during a recent press conference, touching on free speech, government spending, corruption, and the role of politics in sports.

The discussion began when Mitchell was asked about reports that fellow UFC fighter Sean Strickland had been excluded from a planned UFC White House visit because of previous remarks criticizing 'Israel'.

Mitchell said he was not surprised by the reports and argued that Americans should be free to criticize both domestic and foreign governments.

“Freedom of speech is what really makes this country great,” Mitchell said, adding that restricting criticism of a foreign nation would run contrary to American values.

Expanding on his views, Mitchell compared political power structures to the “evil empire” depicted in the Star Wars franchise.

“Something's going to change because evil empires don't last forever,” he said. “There's always a rebellion.”

Mitchell suggested that public dissatisfaction with political institutions could eventually lead to significant change.

Mitchell also rejected suggestions that he did not want to compete on a potential UFC card linked to White House events.

“I do want to be on the card,” he said, clarifying that any criticism he had expressed was directed at government institutions rather than the UFC itself.

The fighter praised UFC leadership and said he would be willing to step in as a replacement competitor if needed.

Mitchell said his political views are influenced by his studies in economics and argued that governments should maintain a limited role focused on serving and protecting citizens.

According to Mitchell, government involvement in hosting or promoting sporting events falls outside that mission and raises concerns about the use of taxpayer resources.

“Our tax dollars and resources are funding this operation,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Mitchell argued that greater interaction between politics and entertainment creates additional opportunities for corruption.

“The government is supposed to protect us, not entertain us,” he said.

The comments quickly drew attention online, adding to Mitchell’s reputation as one of the UFC’s most outspoken fighters on political and social issues.