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Rising Star Details Hidden Injury Before UFC 314 'The Stitches Never Re-opened'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated May 17, 2025 10:01 PM ET

UFC 314 delivered on its promise of action-packed fights and memorable moments. The main event featured Alexander Volkanovski reclaiming his featherweight title with a hard-fought decision win over Diego Lopes in a thrilling five-round battle. The co-main event added more fireworks with top contenders making strong cases for future title shots. While those bouts dominated headlines, it turns out one of the undercard matchups carried its own share of quiet drama. A recent social media post revealed that one of the featured fighters may have entered the cage while still healing from a facial injury—stitches and all.

The featherweight showdown between Bryce Mitchell and Jean Silva was one of the more anticipated undercard fights of the evening. Silva, known for his aggression and knockout power, entered the bout undefeated in the UFC and riding serious momentum. Mitchell, an awkward but effective grappler with fan-favorite energy, came in hoping to derail Silva’s surge. The fight was fast-paced, with Silva pressing the action and ultimately getting the better of Mitchell. But in hindsight, Mitchell may have been facing more than just a tough opponent.

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A post shared by Bryce Mitchell (@thugnasty_ufc)

In a recent Instagram video, Mitchell shared footage of himself getting stitches inserted under his left eye before UFC 314. The caption credited UFC medical staff: ‘Thanks to the incredible @the_ufc_doctor I was able to fite last month! … those stitches also never reopened durin the fite.’ If accurate, Mitchell took a massive gamble—entering a sanctioned bout against a vicious striker while nursing a fresh wound.

Dana White has often emphasized fighter safety and expressed concern about pre-existing injuries going undetected before fights. While the UFC requires pre-fight medicals and clearances, the responsibility still partially falls on the athletes to disclose any last-minute complications.

Mitchell’s pre-fight reveal raises eyebrows about how close he may have been to getting pulled—especially considering the potential for severe damage if the wound had reopened mid-fight. Fortunately for Mitchell, the stitches held, and no additional time off appears necessary. Still, the revelation adds another layer to an already gritty UFC 314 undercard war.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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