Sean Strickland Offers Candid Advice to Bryce Mitchell Amidst ‘Demonic Dreams’

Sean Strickland, a veteran UFC fighter known for his outspoken views, has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Bryce Mitchell’s claims of experiencing “demonic dreams” ahead of his fight against Jean Silva at UFC 314. Mitchell, who has been open about his Christian faith, believes that Silva has sent “a legion of demons” to haunt his dreams, causing him significant distress and disrupting his sleep. Strickland’s response to Mitchell’s situation offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting that Mitchell might benefit from therapy to address what Strickland perceives as fight anxiety manifesting in intrusive thoughts.

Strickland’s Perspective on Mitchell’s Struggles

Bryce Mitchell’s comments about demonic possession and dreams have sparked a mix of confusion and concern within the MMA community. Mitchell claims that since the UFC 314 press conference, he has been plagued by nightmares involving demons that provoke him to anger and tempt him with lust, using beautiful women to try to make him cheat on his wife. He believes these dreams are a result of Silva’s supposed demonic influence and has called on fellow Christians to pray for him ahead of the fight.

🚨| Bryce Mitchell says he has not been able to sleep since the #UFC314 press conference because Jean Silva has cast a spell on him with “a legion of demons.”

He says Demons have been surrounding him in his dreams, attacking him and provoking anger as well sending beautiful… pic.twitter.com/NiLCrUSs7r

— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) March 17, 2025

Sean Strickland, who has faced his own share of personal struggles and controversies, offered a pragmatic view on Mitchell’s situation. Strickland suggested that Mitchell’s experiences might not be the result of demonic intervention but rather a manifestation of fight anxiety. He emphasized that intrusive thoughts, which can be unsettling and disturbing, are common in high-pressure situations like preparing for a major fight. Strickland’s advice to Mitchell was straightforward: “Therapy would do him wonders”.

I love Bryce…. don’t hold this against me but therapy would do him wonders

If everytime I had an Intrusive thought i thought “oh it’s the devil” id lose my mind.

Intrusive thoughts aren’t the devil Bryce.. Probably just fight anxiety manifesting itself in fucked up thoughts

— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) March 17, 2025

Strickland’s perspective highlights the psychological challenges that fighters often face. The pressure to perform, combined with the intense physical and mental demands of training, can lead to anxiety and stress that manifest in various ways. By framing Mitchell’s experiences as potentially related to fight anxiety, Strickland encourages a more grounded approach to addressing these issues.

Mental Health in MMA isn’t Taken Lightly

The exchange between Mitchell and Strickland reflects the complex interplay between personal beliefs, mental health, and the high-stakes environment of professional MMA. While Mitchell’s comments have been met with skepticism by some, they also underscore the deeply personal nature of his faith and how it influences his perception of the world.

Jean Silva, Mitchell’s opponent, has responded to these claims by suggesting that Mitchell is simply afraid of facing him in the Octagon. Silva’s confidence and readiness for the fight are evident, as he prepares to take on Mitchell in what promises to be an intense matchup.

Bryce, two things, these are not demons, it’s just you being afraid to face me and second about the beautiful women you have a hormone called testosterone and you probably have problems with it. Just be ready for April 12th, because I will be.

— Jean de Lord Silva (@Jeansilvamma96) March 18, 2025

The situation also raises questions about how fighters manage stress and anxiety. Strickland’s advice to Mitchell highlights the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with mental health challenges. In a sport where mental toughness is often emphasized, acknowledging the value of therapy can help reduce stigma and encourage more fighters to seek support when needed.

Sean Strickland’s advice to Bryce Mitchell offers a thoughtful perspective on the challenges fighters face, both in and out of the Octagon. As the MMA community continues to grapple with the intersection of personal beliefs and mental health, Strickland’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues with empathy and understanding. Whether Mitchell chooses to explore therapy or continues to rely on his faith, the conversation sparked by this situation will undoubtedly contribute to a more nuanced discussion about mental well-being in MMA.