Mitchell: Sterling-Evloev 'more deserving' of UFC 310 main-card spot

LAS VEGAS - Bryce Mitchell knows he probably shouldn't be on the UFC 310 main card. But he'd be damned if he doesn't make the most of the opportunity.

Mitchell, the No. 13-ranked featherweight, is scheduled to face Kron Gracie at Saturday's event at T-Mobile Arena. Some were surprised when the UFC tabbed it as the second main-card fight, ahead of the pivotal 145-pound bout between Movsar Evloev and former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.

Mitchell said Wednesday he's relishing the spotlight but admitted Evloev-Sterling should be on the main card over his fight with Gracie.

"Aljo is more deserving of being on the main card, absolutely," Mitchell told reporters, including theScore, at UFC 310 media day. "That's a fact. It's undebatable. They probably wanted more views on the prelims, that just makes the most sense to me. It's one of the best fights on the card, Aljo versus Movsar. You put that on the prelims, people see it, and then they wanna buy the pay-per-view.

"It's definitely not because I'm worthy of it, but, dude, I'm gonna frickin' go hard, because I know that being on that main card is such an honor."

Mitchell hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a Knockout of the Year loss to Josh Emmett last December. He said after the defeat he had entered a self-imposed concussion protocol and wouldn't spar for six months. Nearly a year later, Mitchell said he felt comfortable when he got back in the gym and is healthy going into the Gracie fight.

"For this training camp, I've just sparred very consistently," Mitchell said. "It's really not that hard of sparring, so I haven't gotten hit hard a whole bunch. I'm feeling pretty good."

Mitchell is confident he won't worry about getting hit or being tentative once he enters the cage.

"If you've seen my last fight, I can take a hit," Mitchell said. "I think I'll be alright. He ain't gonna hit me no harder than that, brother - unless he brings a weapon."