Quick Read
- Said Nurmagomedov defeated Bryce Mitchell via unanimous decision at UFC Abu Dhabi.
- The fight showcased contrasting styles: Nurmagomedov’s striking vs. Mitchell’s grappling.
- Nurmagomedov’s win revitalizes his career after recent setbacks.
- Mitchell struggled in his bantamweight debut, exposing gaps in his game.
The highly anticipated UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, brought together some of the sport’s most dynamic fighters, but one bout stood out as particularly intriguing. In the bantamweight division, Said Nurmagomedov, a Dagestani fighter known for his striking and submissions, faced off against Bryce Mitchell, an American grappler making his debut in the weight class. The stakes were high as both fighters sought to revive their careers amidst recent struggles.
A Tale of Two Fighters
Said Nurmagomedov entered the octagon with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses. The 33-year-old had shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, including a four-fight winning streak from 2020 to 2022. However, his form had dipped in recent years, with two losses in his last three fights. His most recent setback came in February 2025 against Vinicius Oliveira in Riyadh. Despite these challenges, Nurmagomedov remained a threat, particularly with his unorthodox striking and deadly guillotine submissions, which have caught many opponents off guard.
Bryce Mitchell, on the other hand, was stepping into uncharted territory. After a promising start in the featherweight division, where he won six straight fights, Mitchell’s career hit a plateau. Losses to elite competitors like Ilia Topuria and Jean Silva exposed gaps in his game. The 30-year-old Arkansas native, known as “Thug Nasty,” decided to drop to bantamweight in hopes of finding renewed success. However, questions loomed about whether the weight cut would affect his cardio and durability.
The Fight Breakdown
The bout between Nurmagomedov and Mitchell was a classic clash of styles. Nurmagomedov, an orthodox striker, relied on a kick-heavy approach, using his lead leg kicks as a jab to keep opponents at bay. His striking accuracy (47%) and ability to punish takedown attempts with submissions made him a dangerous adversary. However, Nurmagomedov’s cardio had been a point of concern, as he tended to fade in the later rounds.
Mitchell, a southpaw, brought a grappling-heavy game plan to the table. With an average of 3.27 takedowns per fight and a submission average of 1.3, he aimed to take the fight to the ground and neutralize Nurmagomedov’s striking. Despite his grappling prowess, Mitchell’s striking defense (60%) and takedown defense (33%) had been criticized in previous fights. His reliance on training in a garage gym with local fighters also raised questions about his preparation for high-level competition.
Key Moments and Outcome
The fight began with Nurmagomedov asserting his dominance in the striking department, landing sharp kicks and keeping Mitchell at a distance. Mitchell attempted several takedowns, but Nurmagomedov’s takedown defense held firm. In the second round, Nurmagomedov caught Mitchell in a tight guillotine choke, reminiscent of the submission that had troubled the American in past fights. However, Mitchell managed to escape and push the fight into the later rounds.
As the fight progressed, Mitchell’s grappling began to take effect, but Nurmagomedov’s lateral movement and counter-striking kept him ahead on the scorecards. The bout ultimately went the distance, with Nurmagomedov securing a unanimous decision victory. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of the Dagestani fighter, marking a crucial win in his career.
The Bigger Picture
This fight was more than just a battle between two athletes; it highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the UFC’s bantamweight division. For Nurmagomedov, the victory solidified his position as a top contender, despite recent setbacks. His performance demonstrated his ability to adapt and overcome adversity, a trait that will serve him well in future bouts.
For Mitchell, the loss was a harsh reminder of the difficulties of transitioning to a new weight class. While his grappling skills remain a strong asset, the fight exposed areas for improvement, particularly in striking and defensive strategies. Whether he can address these weaknesses and bounce back remains to be seen.
As the dust settles on UFC Abu Dhabi, one thing is clear: the bantamweight division continues to be one of the most competitive and exciting weight classes in the UFC. Fighters like Nurmagomedov and Mitchell are a testament to the skill, resilience, and unpredictability that make MMA a thrilling sport to follow.
The UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi showcased a night of memorable fights, and the clash between Said Nurmagomedov and Bryce Mitchell will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers.