UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell is recuperating from a severe concussion sustained at UFC 296, expressing gratitude to his opponent Josh Emmett for not inflicting further damage after the knockout.
Bryce Mitchell’s back home, folks. He’s nursing a doozy of a concussion after UFC 296.
Josh Emmett’s punch? Man, it was lights out for Bryce. But, it could’ve been way worse.
“I’m actually thrilled about Josh Emmett,” Bryce spilled the beans on Instagram. “Guy could’ve gone full hammerfist on me post-KO. Could’ve been the end, you know? But he didn’t. Not a single extra hit.”
He’s grateful, that’s for sure. “Thanks for not clobbering me more, Josh,” he said, tipping his hat.
The fight itself? A wild card. It got the spotlight after Ian Machado Garry fell ill. Bryce hit the deck hard from Emmett’s right hand.
Emmett’s take? He’s been around the block. “No need for extra punches,” he told MMA Fighting. “I pack a punch, and Bryce is a stand-up guy. It’s rough, but I’m not about unnecessary hits.”
Herb Dean, the ref, was out of reach. But Emmett chose to step back. “We all want to get home safe to our families,” he added.
Bryce stepped in last minute for this one. Giga Chikadze was out with an injury. The aftermath was scary—Bryce started seizing right there in the octagon.
Joe Rogan was worried. Said Bryce was up on his feet too soon after the KO. But with a little help, Bryce walked out.
Now, he’s probably staring down a 60-day medical suspension. They whisked him off for a head CT, just to be safe. Then he was out, telling fans he’s alright but admitting he goofed up in the fight.
“That’s not my style,” he reflected. “I’m all about the aggressive play. So, whatever fight you’ve got in life, charge at it. Even if you go down, you’ll know you gave it your all. I just botched the strategy this time.”