Incoming UFC Abu Dhabi star Bryce Mitchell claims he is the definite kryptonite to topple Merab Dvalishvili.
Returning this weekend in the Middle East, former perennial featherweight contender, Mitchell will make good on a mooted bantamweight debut, as he takes on Russian foe, Said Nurmagomedov.
And despite brutal losses to both Jean Silva and Josh Emmett in two of his last three outings, Mitchell’s confidence seems more than high when it comes to his chances of making inroads at 135lbs.
Bryce Mitchell confident of solving Merab Dvalishvili puzzle
Tasked with putting his grappling chops to good use in the UAE this weekend against Nurmagomedov, Mitchell who still remains ranked within the top-15 at featherweight, has laid out plans for a continued run at bantamweight regardless.
And with some major work to do in order to even put himself into contention to face the dominant Merab Dvalishvili, Mitchell claims that if they ever fight — a new champion could very easily be crowned.
“Let’s be honest, nobody is gonna beat Merab (Dvalishvili),” Mitchell told MMA Junkie. “Who’s gonna beat Merab? You’re gonna have to call somebody that can beat him.
“…They’re [the UFC] gonna realize they’re gonna need a guy like me [to beat Dvalishvili],” Mitchell continued. “Here I am. Call me.”
“I always pick up the phone, I always say yes — and the UFC knows I’ve never turned down a fight,” he finished.
And while boasting his own chances of defeating the immovable Dvalishvili, Mitchell has played down the threat of the expected next foe for the Georgian machine.
Bryce Mitchell shuts down Cory Sandhagen’s chances against Merab Dvalishvili
Himself riding a stunning championship reign as of recent, Dvalishvili is fresh from his second win over Sean O’Malley just earlier this year.
And while his return to action is yet to be made official, Dvalishvili is widely expected to face the surging Cory Sandhagen next — in his bid to finally capture Octagon gold.
But as far as Arkansas native Mitchell is concerned, Sandhagen stands no chance already of beating the Tbilisi grappler if they share the Octagon together.
“Cory’s (Sandhagen) going to lose, and that’s what’s gonna happen,” Mitchell said.
“And you can watch the fight just to watch Cory get beat, but he’s not going to win.” He continued.