'Government should protect, not entertain': UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell slams White House event

Many critics have denounced the Ultimate Fighting Championship's Freedom 250 event on the White House South Lawn, but the list of those who have spoken out from within the sport itself is short, with Bryce Mitchell among the exceptions. The mixed martial arts fighter contended that the government is desecrating its role in society by hosting sporting events. "...the government is supposed to protect us, not entertain us," he told reporters on media day ahead of his bantamweight bout against Santiago Luna on Saturday in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old argued that staging fight nights falls outside the government's intended goal because "our tax dollars and resources" fund such an operation. He also argued that such events create more room for corruption, saying, "We already have a corrupt government," while absolving the UFC of any blame, as anyone would understandably seize on what amounts to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in his view.

Mitchell's criticism carried extra weight precisely because it comes from someone who has expressed strong support for Trump in the past, even saying he'd "take a bullet and die" for him. The controversial fighter's pivot was notable, and adds him to a growing roster of MMA insiders turning on the Freedom 250 spectacle, with Joe Rogan calling it "odd" and UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland protesting at the White House gates before being removed from the venue by the police.

This is not the first time Mitchell ripped into the event. "It's bullsh*t," he said in an interview. "It's taking our finest resources in the middle of World War 3 and dedicating it to a sporting event. It's literally World War 3 — we're bombing innocent children in another country, and gas prices are doubling," he added, contending that the administration was focused on throwing a birthday party for Trump instead of dealing with the war.

Mitchell's views reflected those of the American public at large, as per a Reuters/IPSOS poll: only 16 percent approved of the event, while 46 percent called it inappropriate. But this did not deter President Trump, who brushed off criticism in his assessment of the event. In a Truth Social post, the President said that the event was "incredible" and congratulated UFC's Chief Executive Officer Dana White. "The White House has never looked more beautiful. The setting was unsurpassed!  One of the most exciting days in the History of our fabled White House!" he said.

The weather forecasters predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds could complicate the event, compounded by a sweltering day with the heat index expected to reach as high as 106. He was thrilled to see the weather predictions proven wrong, calling it the "perfect" weather for the fights. "So much for the predictions," he quipped, ending with compliments to the fighters who took the stage, and marvelling over their speed and power.