“They all thought I was dead,” Bryce Mitchell under concussion protocol reveals terrifying KO experience

UFC contender Bryce Mitchell talks about the aftermath of his fight at UFC 296 after getting brutally knocked out by Josh Emmett.

“They all thought I was dead,” Bryce Mitchell under concussion protocol reveals terrifying KO experience

Bryce Mitchell talks about the aftermath of his UFC 296 knockout loss ( Image via Imago/X )

UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell recently spoke about his knockout loss to Josh Emmett at UFC 296. Mitchell revealed the terrible aspect of the knockout loss was dealing with everyone afterward.

Bryce Mitchell was the betting favorite going into the fight. However, he had stepped in on short notice to replace Emmett’s original opponent, who was injured. Mitchell revealed how his loved ones were truly terrified at the sight of the knockout and the subsequent seizure-like symptoms he showcased. Speaking to ESPN.com, Bryce Mitchell said: 

The worst part is dealing with everybody afterward, because they all thought I was dead. Everybody that I knew was crying.
Bryce Mitchell via ESPN
YouTube video

However, Bryce Mitchell revealed that he had never had a fight where he came out feeling so great. Bryce could not remember what had happened in the octagon. He stated that there was no pain, but his loved ones remained sad. He is currently serving his medical suspension and could return in the second half of 2024.

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Bryce Mitchell stepped in on short notice for UFC 296. This was because Giga Chikadze was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a groin injury. Mitchell wanted to end the year on a win. Mitchell defeated Dan Ige in September 2023 to bounce back from a loss at the hands of Ilia Topuria. However, the loss to Emmett was a huge blow to Mitchell’s title aspiration.

Bryce Mitchell will not fight after knockout loss to Josh Emmett at UFC 296

Bryce Mitchell suffered a brutal knockout loss to Josh Emmett at UFC 296. Mitchell has since imposed a six-month concussion protocol on himself. He maintained that he would not spar or fight during this period. In the meantime, he plans to focus on building a house and preparing for his first child.

Bryce Mitchell Josh Emmett
Bryce Mitchell knocked out by Josh Emmett at UFC 296 ( Image via X )

‘Thug Nasty’ suffered one of the most brutal knockout losses of 2023. Moreover, he was not happy with how the medical staff handled the situation following the knockout. He said he should have been escorted out of the arena immediately. Something commentator Joe Rogan repeatedly screamed during the live coverage. For the time being, Mitchell will take some time away to make a better comeback.

In a video posted to Instagram, Bryce Mitchell thanked Josh Emmett for not following up with hammer fists after knocking him out in the first round. Mitchell said he believed the follow-up shots would have killed him. Emmett responded by calling Mitchell a “class act” and saying he wished the sport had more competitors like him.

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