The highly anticipated UFC 314 event is just around the corner, set to take place on Saturday, April 12, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. As the event approaches, excitement is building, with Israel Adesanya among those eager to see one of the most thrilling fights on the main card—Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva.
While Silva, the Brazilian sensation riding a 12-fight winning streak, is heavily favored by most of the community, former middleweight king Adesanya has chosen to back the underdog, Mitchell—a 30-year-old Arkansas native known as “Thug Nasty.”
Israel Adesanya Breaks Down His Pick for UFC 314 on His Podcast
On his podcast, Israel Adesanya shared why he’s backing Bryce Mitchell in the upcoming UFC 314 fight. He praised Mitchell’s experience, saying, “I’m going to go Bryce because of the experience, but I would not be surprised if Jean goes in there and just f***ing does work.”
Adesanya pointed to Mitchell’s tough battles with top fighters like Edson Barboza and Josh Emmett as proof he can handle pressure. But Adesanya didn’t ignore Jean Silva’s talent either. He gave props to the rising star, calling out his sharp striking and smart distance control. “Jean, I love the way he manages his distance, and he’s able to just find it,” he added.
While Adesanya predicted Mitchell would win by decision, he admitted Silva’s skills could turn the fight in his favor. He said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jean takes this one, but official bet, I’m going to go Bryce Mitchell. I’m going to go decision.”
Israel Adesanya’s Pick Is A Calculated Underdog Bet
Another thing that makes this fight more exciting is the tension between the two fighters. Adesanya said the “beef” between them is cool and might make the fight even more intense.
Israel’s pick for Mitchell shows he respects fighters who’ve been through tough battles. While Silva looks like a strong rising star, Adesanya believes Mitchell’s experience could help him handle the pressure. “Even though he lost, it’s his experience, and Bryce is no joke, man,” Adesanya said.
His words clearly show that he isn’t fully confident that the 30-year-old Arkansas native will win at UFC 314. In fact, Adesanya even said in his own style that he wouldn’t be surprised if Silva “goes in there and just f***ing does work.” His calculation leaves plenty of room for surprises.
Key Points
UFC star Israel Adesanya is backing Bryce Mitchell to upset favorite Jean Silva at UFC 314. He praised Mitchell’s experience against elite opponents but warned that Silva’s sharp striking and range could be real trouble.
Silva, riding a 12-fight win streak and still undefeated in the UFC, remains the favorite. Adesanya admitted Mitchell’s struggles with distance control might cost him—but believes his grappling could turn the tide.
With real tension brewing between the two fighters, fans can expect an intense, emotional showdown inside the Octagon.
Summary
Israel Adesanya is backing Bryce Mitchell for UFC 314, adding more hype to his clash with Jean Silva. He believes Mitchell’s experience could make the difference, but also warned about Silva’s sharp striking and control. The community is split—can Mitchell pull off an upset, or will Silva stay undefeated? There is no doubt that this featherweight bout will be a captivating spectacle.