Jan Blachowicz was not pleased with Bryce Mitchell’s controversial remarks.
In January, the UFC featherweight contender sparked outrage beyond the MMA community. Mitchell, 30, went on a rant expressing his belief that Adolf Hitler “was a good guy based on my own research,” and that he would probably enjoy fishing with the late German dictator.
Mitchell’s comments received widespread criticism throughout the sports world, including a public condemnation from UFC CEO Dana White. Other figures, like former UFC light heavyweight champion and proud Poland native Blachowicz, extended an invitation to Mitchell to visit Warsaw and learn about the atrocities committed by Hitler.
Blachowicz, 42, stated on Uncrowned’s “The Ariel Helwani Show” on Wednesday that he felt compelled to address the extreme level of ignorance displayed by Mitchell.
“I felt it was necessary to remind people about history, the atrocities committed by Hitler, and the horrors of war. It’s very important,” Blachowicz said.
Blachowicz has a history of trying to educate his American colleagues on historical events outside of the North American perspective. Prior to Mitchell, Blachowicz took issue with comments made by controversial UFC middleweight Sean Strickland regarding the Ukraine-Russia war in 2022.
Blachowicz mentioned that the response he received to his comments on Mitchell was “99%” supportive.
Mitchell issued an apology on social media, stating that he may have sounded insensitive, and has since remained relatively quiet on the matter. However, Blachowicz is uncertain about the sincerity of that apology.
“I extend an invitation to him to come to Poland, and I can show him everything if he is willing. Hopefully, he will understand. Perhaps he can pick up a book and learn about those dark times. I hope he does. I believe,” Blachowicz said.
“I don’t think he was truly apologetic, but I am not sure. I hope so. Perhaps if he doesn’t understand, others will. Maybe they will research and understand what happened. If he lacks the intelligence to comprehend, maybe others will,” he added.
“In the media, he apologizes, but perhaps when he reflects in private, he feels remorse. That is also a positive thing,” Blachowicz concluded.
Regarding his own career, it has been a while since Blachowicz last competed in the Octagon. His last fight was against former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 291 in July 2023, resulting in a split decision loss. While Pereira went on to become UFC light heavyweight champion, Blachowicz has been sidelined due to shoulder injuries and has contemplated retirement.
Blachowicz expressed his desire for a rematch with Pereira, who recently suffered a defeat to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. While somewhat surprised by Pereira’s loss, Blachowicz harbors no ill will towards his former opponent.
Blachowicz’s comeback fight will be against Kiwi contender Carlos Ulberg in the co-main event of UFC London on March 22. A victory for either fighter could put them in contention for a shot at the light heavyweight title.
“I am happy with the Ulberg matchup. I believe that after defeating him, I will earn a title shot against Ankalaev. My ultimate goal is to have a rematch with Pereira and defend the belt against him. This is the perfect scenario for me,” Blachowicz said.