
A UFC fighter’s journey from MAGA diehard to Trump denouncer—fueled by Bible prophecy and political disillusionment—shows just how volatile America’s culture wars have become.
Story Snapshot
- Bryce Mitchell, once a Trump loyalist who vowed to “take a bullet” for the president, now brands Trump as the Antichrist, citing both policy grievances and a literal reading of the Book of Revelation.
- Mitchell’s reversal, delivered via Instagram in October 2025, is rooted in disappointment over Trump’s handling of the Epstein files, foreign aid, and economic policy—issues that he claims betray MAGA principles.
- The fighter’s pivot is not just political but theological, invoking scripture to justify his break, a move that has amplified debate within both the UFC and MAGA communities.
- Mitchell’s story highlights the growing intersection of sports, politics, and religion, and the risks for organizations when athletes become lightning rods for controversy.
- Social media’s role in bypassing traditional media filters gives individual voices like Mitchell’s unprecedented reach and influence.
The Rise and Fall of a MAGA Man
Bryce Mitchell, a UFC featherweight known as much for his fighting style as his outspoken conservatism, spent years as a vocal Trump supporter. In 2019, Mitchell expressed willingness to physically defend the then-president. By December 2024, after Trump’s re-election, he doubled down, publicly stating he would “take a bullet” for Trump. This level of loyalty made Mitchell a poster child for the MAGA movement within the UFC, a sport with a strong libertarian and conservative fanbase. His allegiance was seen as both personal and political, a reflection of the broader polarization in American sports culture.
Mitchell’s reversal in October 2025 was as abrupt as it was public. In a video posted to Instagram, he declared, “I’m not with Donald Trump no more. I don’t support him. I don’t like him. I think he’s a corrupted leader.” The reasons he cited were both political and biblical. Mitchell pointed to Trump’s failure to release the Epstein files, his foreign aid policies toward Israel and Ukraine, and what he saw as economic missteps. But it was his invocation of Revelation 13:3—suggesting Trump is the “beast” foretold in scripture—that turned heads beyond the sports world.
Faith, Fury, and the Fight Game
Mitchell’s pivot is not an isolated incident of political flip-flopping. It’s a case study in how deeply personal belief systems—especially religious conviction—can shape public figures’ political identities. Mitchell’s interpretation of biblical prophecy is literal and unapologetic, a stance that resonates with a segment of conservative America but also raises eyebrows among those who see such rhetoric as extreme or irresponsible. His previous criticism of Elon Musk, also framed in biblical terms, suggests a pattern of using scripture as a lens for political judgment.
The UFC, while no stranger to controversy, now faces the challenge of managing a fighter whose political and religious views are generating intense media scrutiny. The organization has historically given fighters wide latitude in expressing personal beliefs, but Mitchell’s case tests the limits of that tolerance. For the MAGA movement, Mitchell’s defection is a reminder of the fragility of celebrity endorsements and the potential for internal dissent when leaders are perceived as straying from core principles.
Social Media as the New Town Square
Mitchell’s Instagram video did more than announce a change of heart—it bypassed traditional media gatekeepers and went straight to his audience, amplifying the impact of his message. Social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have become the primary venues for athletes to express political and personal views, giving them direct access to fans and critics alike. This shift in communication has upended traditional power structures, allowing individuals to shape narratives in real time and forcing organizations to react rather than control the message.
The immediacy and reach of social media also mean that controversies like Mitchell’s can escalate quickly, drawing in not just sports fans but political commentators, religious leaders, and casual observers. The result is a feedback loop of outrage, support, and debate that transcends the original context of the athlete’s statement. For Mitchell, this has meant both heightened visibility and increased scrutiny, with every post and interview dissected for deeper meaning.
Broader Implications for Sports and Society
Mitchell’s story is a microcosm of larger trends in American culture. The blending of sports, politics, and religion is not new, but the intensity and public nature of these intersections are unprecedented. Athletes are no longer just entertainers; they are influencers, activists, and occasionally, prophets. Their words carry weight not just in locker rooms but in living rooms and voting booths.
For the UFC and other sports organizations, the challenge is to balance respect for individual expression with the need to protect their brands from divisive controversies. For the MAGA movement, Mitchell’s defection is a warning that loyalty is conditional, even among the most ardent supporters. And for the broader public, the episode is a reminder of the power—and peril—of mixing faith, politics, and celebrity in the age of social media.
Sources:
The Daily Beast: UFC Star Who Vowed to ‘Take a Bullet’ for Trump Does Brutal About-Face
BJPenn.com: Bryce Mitchell: Donald Trump is that beast of Revelation 13:3
Fox News: Controversial UFC fighter takes back his Trump support in wild rant: ‘I fooled’


