Bryce Mitchell’s night at UFC 314 didn’t go as planned. Facing off against undefeated phenom Jean Silva, Mitchell was overwhelmed by Silva’s striking and ultimately submitted via a slick ninja choke in the second round. It marked Mitchell’s third career loss, and though he’s always shown grit and durability, this was the most one-sided defeat of his UFC tenure. After the fight, questions swirled around whether “Thug Nasty” can still be considered among the featherweight elite.

Mitchell’s next move should be a calculated one — not a step backward, but not another top-10 killer either. A compelling matchup for him would be veteran featherweight Calvin Kattar, currently ranked #15. Kattar is riding a tough three-fight losing streak but remains one of the division’s most respected and experienced strikers. Both men need a bounce-back opportunity, and stylistically, this fight promises action.

Mitchell thrives in grappling-heavy exchanges, often relying on his smothering top game and submission arsenal. Kattar, on the other hand, is a high-volume, durable boxer with excellent takedown defense. The key question here is whether Mitchell can take Kattar down and keep him there — something few have managed to do. On the feet, Kattar would have the edge, but Mitchell’s ability to grind and chain-wrestle could make this a chess match.

This fight could serve as the co-main event of a Fight Night or feature on the main card of a pay-per-view. It's a crossroads battle — a young, unconventional grappler trying to reestablish himself versus a seasoned striker attempting to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving featherweight division. It’s also a stylistic clash that would give fans a grappler-vs-striker narrative with real stakes attached.

Bryce Mitchell – Last Five Fights:

* Loss – Jean Silva, Submission (ninja choke) – UFC 314 (April 12, 2025)
* Win – Kron Gracie, KO (slam and elbows) – UFC 310 (December 7, 2024)
* Loss – Josh Emmett, KO (punch) – UFC 296 (December 16, 2023)
* Win – Dan Ige, Decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Gamrot (September 23, 2023)
* Loss – Ilia Topuria, Submission (arm-triangle choke) – UFC 282 (December 10, 2022)

Calvin Kattar – Last Five Fights:

* Loss – Youssef Zalal, Decision (unanimous) – UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues (February 15, 2025)
* Loss – Aljamain Sterling, Decision (unanimous) – UFC 300 (April 13, 2024)
* Loss – Arnold Allen, TKO (knee injury) – UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Allen (October 29, 2022)
* Loss – Josh Emmett, Decision (split) – UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Emmett (June 18, 2022)
* Win – Giga Chikadze, Decision (unanimous) – UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Chikadze (January 15, 2022)