Bryce Mitchell, a prominent UFC featherweight fighter known as “Thug Nasty,” has sparked significant controversy with his outspoken views on homeschooling and other societal issues. His May 2024 Instagram video, where he announced plans to homeschool his infant son, Tucker, to prevent him from “turning gay,” being a communist, or “worshipping Satan,” ignited a firestorm of criticism. The controversy escalated in January 2025 when Mitchell made antisemitic remarks on his podcast, praising Adolf Hitler and denying the Holocaust. These statements have not only divided the MMA community but also raised broader questions about free speech, the responsibilities of public figures, and the regulation of homeschooling.
This article explores the details of Mitchell’s comments, the public and UFC responses, and the implications for the sports world and beyond.
Who is Bryce Mitchell?
Bryce Andrew Mitchell, born October 4, 1994, in Searcy, Arkansas, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s Featherweight division. With a record of 16 wins and 3 losses, Mitchell has earned a reputation as a skilled fighter since his UFC debut in 2019. Known for his aggressive style and charismatic persona, he has garnered a significant following, with nearly 500,000 Instagram followers. Outside the octagon, Mitchell is a cattle farmer and a devout Christian, often using his platform to share his views on topics ranging from religion to conspiracy theories.
Mitchell’s personal life came into focus in March 2024 when he welcomed his son, Tucker, with his wife, Khaleesi. His outspoken nature, however, has frequently landed him in hot water, with past statements about the Earth being flat and his distrust of vaccines drawing attention. His latest comments on homeschooling and Hitler have pushed the boundaries of controversy even further.
The Homeschooling Comments: What Mitchell Said
On May 23, 2024, Mitchell posted a video on Instagram that quickly went viral. Holding his infant son, Tucker, he stated, “We’re going to have to homeschool all our kids, or they’re all going to end up turning gay. I don’t want him to be a communist, I don’t want him to worship Satan, and I don’t want him to be gay.” These remarks were part of a broader rant where Mitchell also criticized vaccines, claiming they “can kill them or make them autistic” and describing them as “poisonous.” He further expressed disdain for public schools, arguing they fail to teach the Bible and expose children to inappropriate influences, such as the works of Edgar Allan Poe, whom he accused of promoting incest.
The video, shared widely on platforms like X, garnered millions of views. An X post by @LegendaryEnergy (UFC Fighter Bryce Mitchell) received over 11 million views, highlighting the public’s intense interest. Another post by @davenewworld_2 (Bryce Mitchell Homeschooling) quoted Mitchell’s remarks, amplifying the backlash. The comments were met with both support from those who share Mitchell’s conservative views and sharp criticism for their homophobic and discriminatory nature.
Escalation: The Pro-Hitler Podcast Remarks
The controversy took a darker turn in January 2025 when Mitchell appeared on the inaugural episode of his podcast, “ArkanSanity.” During the episode, he praised Adolf Hitler, calling him “a good guy based upon my own research” and someone he would “go fishing with.” He also denied the Holocaust, claiming it was exaggerated, and made homophobic and antisemitic remarks. These statements, reported by outlets like The Athletic, drew immediate condemnation from fans, media, and the UFC.
The podcast remarks intensified the scrutiny on Mitchell, with many questioning whether his earlier homeschooling comments were part of a broader pattern of extreme views. The combination of homophobia, antisemitism, and Holocaust denial made Mitchell a lightning rod for criticism, with some calling for his suspension from the UFC.
Public and UFC Response
The public reaction to Mitchell’s comments was swift and polarized. On X, users expressed outrage, with posts like @toobaffled’s (Bryce Mitchell Anti-Vaccine) highlighting his anti-vaccine and homeschooling stance, and @RT_com (Bryce Mitchell Homeschooling) linking his earlier comments to his Hitler remarks. The backlash was particularly strong among those who viewed Mitchell’s statements as harmful and discriminatory, with many calling for accountability.
Within the UFC, responses varied. Fellow fighter Sean Strickland showed support for Mitchell’s homeschooling comments, posting prayer and American flag emojis on Instagram. However, UFC President Dana White was unequivocal in his condemnation of Mitchell’s pro-Hitler remarks. Speaking to reporters after a Power Slap event in Saudi Arabia, White called the comments “beyond disgusting” and “dumb and ignorant,” emphasizing that Hitler was responsible for the deaths of six million Jews (ESPN). Despite this, the UFC opted not to discipline Mitchell, citing freedom of expression, a decision that sparked debate about the organization’s handling of controversial statements.
| Reaction Source | Response to Mitchell’s Comments |
|---|---|
| Social Media (X) | Mixed; widespread criticism for homophobia and antisemitism, some support from conservative users |
| Sean Strickland | Supported Mitchell’s homeschooling comments with emojis |
| Dana White | Condemned pro-Hitler remarks as “dumb and ignorant,” no disciplinary action |
| UFC Community | Divided; some fighters distanced themselves, others remained silent |
Mitchell’s Apology and Ongoing Stance
On February 4, 2025, Mitchell issued an apology on Instagram for his pro-Hitler comments, stating, “I’m sorry I sounded insensitive. 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” (AP News). However, the apology did not address his homeschooling comments, leaving uncertainty about whether he stands by his earlier statements.
Some, including Sean Strickland, expressed frustration with Mitchell’s apology, with Strickland arguing that he shouldn’t have backed down (MMA Junkie). The lack of clarity on Mitchell’s homeschooling stance has kept the controversy alive, with fans and critics alike speculating about his intentions.
Broader Context: Mitchell’s History of Controversy
Mitchell’s comments are part of a broader pattern of controversial statements that have defined his public persona. In 2022, he challenged UFC commentator Joe Rogan to a debate about the flat Earth theory, revealing he does not believe in gravity (Daily Mail). He has also claimed the COVID-19 pandemic was a hoax and expressed distrust in vaccines, aligning himself with conspiracy-driven narratives. These views have made him a polarizing figure, with a dedicated fanbase that admires his unfiltered approach and detractors who view his statements as harmful.
The homeschooling controversy also ties into larger societal debates about education and parenting. Mitchell’s stated reasons for homeschooling—rooted in preventing his son from adopting certain identities or beliefs—reflect a worldview that critics argue promotes discrimination. Supporters, however, may see his stance as a defense of parental rights and traditional values.
The Homeschooling Debate
Mitchell’s comments have reignited discussions about homeschooling and its regulation. In the United States, homeschooling laws vary by state, with some requiring minimal oversight. This lack of regulation, as noted by The Mary Sue, raises concerns about the quality of education and the potential for indoctrination. Mitchell’s reasons for homeschooling highlight these issues, as his goals appear focused on shielding his son from diverse perspectives rather than providing a comprehensive education.
| Aspect of Homeschooling | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulation | Varies by state; some require minimal oversight |
| Benefits | Allows tailored education, parental control |
| Concerns | Potential for indoctrination, lack of social interaction |
| Mitchell’s Stance | Prevent son from becoming gay, communist, or worshipping Satan |
Advocates for homeschooling argue it offers flexibility and aligns with family values, while critics emphasize the need for oversight to ensure children receive a balanced education. Mitchell’s comments have brought these tensions to the forefront, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Implications for the UFC and Public Figures
The controversy surrounding Mitchell’s comments underscores the challenges sports organizations face in managing athletes’ public statements. The UFC’s decision not to discipline Mitchell, as reported by Yahoo Sports, raises questions about the limits of free speech in professional sports. While athletes have the right to express their views, their platforms amplify the impact of their words, potentially influencing fans and shaping public discourse.
Other UFC fighters, like Sean Strickland, have also faced scrutiny for controversial statements, highlighting a broader trend within the sport. The UFC’s approach—condemning remarks but avoiding punishment—reflects a delicate balance between maintaining organizational integrity and respecting individual rights.
Looking Ahead
As of June 5, 2025, Mitchell remains an active UFC fighter, with no reported changes to his status despite the controversies. His apology for the pro-Hitler comments has done little to quell criticism, particularly regarding his homeschooling remarks, which remain unaddressed. The ongoing debate about his statements highlights the power of public figures to shape discourse and the responsibility that comes with it.
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