MMA Match Preview: Bryce Mitchell (8-3-0) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (18-4-0)

In a razor-close stylistic clash, Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell makes his bantamweight debut against crafty Dagestani striker Said Nurmagomedov on the featured prelim of UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters are coming off losses and looking to reassert themselves in a stacked division.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Bryce Mitchell	Said Nurmagomedov
Age	30	33
Height	5′10″	5′8″
Reach	70″	70″
Record (MMA)	17-4-0	18-4-0
UFC Record	8-3	7-3
Style	Wrestling/BJJ	Muay Thai / Submission Grappling
UFC Ranking	#15 Bantamweight	Unranked (as of July 2025)

Bryce Mitchell – The Pressure Grappler

Strengths:

Relentless takedown attempts (27 career UFC takedowns)

Strong top control and submission setups (9 career subs)

Durable and gritty with underrated striking volume

Recent Form:

Losses to Jean Silva (Sub), Josh Emmett (KO), Ilia Topuria (Sub)

Win over Dan Ige (Dec)

Game Plan:

Chain-wrestling and pressure to neutralize striking

Avoid scrambles and protect neck from chokes

Use level changes to disrupt rhythm

Mitchell’s move to bantamweight is a calculated reset after a turbulent featherweight run. His wrestling-heavy style thrives on control and grind, but recent submission losses raise concerns about his defensive grappling under duress.

Said Nurmagomedov – The Slick Finisher

Strengths:

Dynamic striking with spinning kicks and jabs

Opportunistic submission game (guillotine specialist)

Fast scrambles and choke setups in transitions

Recent Form:

Loss to Vinicius Oliveira (Dec)

Wins over Saidyokub Kakhramonov (Sub), Douglas Silva de Andrade (Dec)

Game Plan:

Keep distance with kicks and counters

Punish sloppy takedown entries with chokes

Use movement to frustrate Mitchell’s pressure

Nurmagomedov is a dangerous wild card. He’s finished three of his last four wins via guillotine or front choke, the exact method that’s plagued Mitchell recently.

Key Dynamics

Grappler vs. Striker: Mitchell’s takedown volume vs. Nurmagomedov’s distance control and counters.

Submission Risk: Mitchell has been submitted in 3 of his last 4 losses; Nurmagomedov thrives on guillotine traps.

Weight Class Shift: Mitchell’s durability and cardio at 135 lbs remain unknown.