Patchy Mix seizes his UFC moment, filling in for Marlon Vera in a high-stakes debut bout at UFC 316!
The MMA bantamweight division just got a major shakeup! Fans have been wondering where former Bellator champion Patchy Mix would land after his PFL release. The waiting game is finally over. The talented New Yorker with the unforgettable nickname has found a new home in the UFC.
Mix’s unique fighting style earned him a devoted following. Now he is ready to test himself against the UFC’s elite 135-pounders. He enters the UFC riding an impressive seven-fight win streak. His only professional loss came against Juan Archuleta back in 2020. That setback clearly lit a fire under him. Since then, he has been unstoppable. His grappling-heavy approach has proven effective against various fighting styles. His signing represents another high-profile talent acquisition for the UFC, which has been actively recruiting champions from rival organizations.
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Mix isn’t getting any warm-up fight in the UFC. He is replacing Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera on short notice against Mario Bautista at UFC 316 in Newark. Bautista brings his own seven-fight winning streak into this matchup. His most recent victory came against former featherweight king Jose Aldo at UFC 307. This is the classic “high risk, high reward” scenario for Mix. A win over a contender like Bautista would immediately establish him as a UFC title threat.
The bantamweight matchup presents fascinating stylistic questions. Mix’s submission-oriented approach against Bautista’s pressure heavy skill set could produce fireworks. Both fighters have momentum and something to prove. Mix wants to show he belongs among the UFC elite. Bautista aims to continue his climb toward title contention. Fans are in for a treat with this late addition to the UFC 316 card.
Not long ago, fighters rarely moved between major organizations during their prime years. Now fans regularly see champions testing themselves across promotional boundaries. Mix’s transition feels particularly significant. He dominated Bellator’s bantamweight division before the PFL acquisition. His disappointment with inactivity led to his release and subsequent UFC signing.
The 135-pound weight class features technical wizards, knockout artists, and submission specialists, headed by Merab Dvalsihvili. Mix brings a unique skill set that could cause problems for established contenders. Who wouldn’t want to see Mix matched up against the likes of Sean O’Malley, Merab Dvalishvili, or Umar Nurmagomedov? The potential matchups are mouth-watering for hardcore fans. And as one door closed for Patchy Mix with his PFL release, an even bigger one opened with the UFC!
(Image Credit: TeamMixMMA – X)
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