The UFC has released Patchy Mix from its roster after just two fights with the organization. Mix quickly found a new home, signing with RIZIN.
The former Bellator bantamweight champion entered the UFC with high expectations. After publicly requesting his release from the PFL, Mix’s wish was granted. He joined the MMA leader and immediately faced a tough test.
Mix made his promotional debut at UFC 316, where he lost a one-sided unanimous decision to Mario Bautista. Fans were eager to see how he’d fare in the octagon, given his impressive run in Bellator’s bantamweight Grand Prix.
Following his loss to Bautista, Mix fought Jakub Wiklacz at UFC 320. His lost that fight by split decision, marking the first time he had suffered back-to-back defeats in his career.
Mix was among several notable Bellator stars who joined the UFC after the PFL acquired the promotion. Fighters such as Aaron Pico, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and former Bellator champions Patricio Pitbull and Yaroslav Amosov also made the move. Only Page and Amosov won their UFC debuts decisively.
Patchy Mix Set for RIZIN Debut
Patchy Mix will not have to wait long to compete under the RIZIN banner, as he is scheduled to make his promotional debut at RIZIN 52. The event is set for Mar. 7 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Mix will move up to featherweight to face Kyoma Akimoto. The former Bellator champion has a chance to reestablish himself at 145 pounds and regain his form.
For Akimoto, the bout represents a significant opportunity, as he faces his toughest test. Akimoto, 19. enters with an 11-1 record, with eight of his wins coming by stoppage. He made his professional debut in 2022 as a 16-year-old, and is a prospect RIZIN appears to have high hopes for.
Mix previously competed in RIZIN at RIZIN 20 in 2019, where he submitted Yuki Motoya in the 1st round. He represented Bellator at the event, which was part of a collaboration with the Japanese promotion.
Given his prior experience with RIZIN, Mix shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to competing in a ring under their ruleset.
Mix Opens Up About His UFC Departure
Mix also discussed his UFC exit after only two bouts inside the octagon. The former Bellator champion spoke candidly about his release and his next steps.
After his manager informed him that the UFC would release him, Mix explored other opportunities. He acknowledged that his recent fights did not reflect his skills, largely due to difficult weight cuts. Dropping to 135 pounds took a toll on him, and now he seeks a fresh start at featherweight.
“I started searching and thinking what I wanted to do with my career. You know, I beat a lot of guys in other organizations, even this organization. But the main thing was to go up to featherweight and rebrand,” Mix said during the RIZIN 52 press conference. “I wanna Patchy 2.0. You know, I haven’t had fun in a long time because I’m just cutting so much weight to make the weight.”
He added:
“I think this transition is gonna be important for my career. And, RIZIN was a no-brainer.”
UFC Parts Ways With Ex-Bellator Champion Patchy Mix