Patchy Mix has announced his return to the Rizin Fighting Federation following his departure from the UFC. During a press conference on Wednesday, the former UFC fighter shared that he was released from his contract approximately five to six weeks after his last fight. He also confirmed he is moving up to the featherweight division.
Transition to Featherweight
Mix expressed his eagerness to reinvent himself, stating, “I want to show Patchy 2.0.” He emphasized that joining Rizin was a clear choice for him. In 2019, Mix had a brief stint with the Japanese promotion, where he achieved a submission victory over Yuki Motoya.
UFC Tenure and Bellator Success
Mix’s move to Rizin follows an unsuccessful period in the UFC, where he lost both of his fights by decision. This performance was unexpected, considering his earlier success. At 32 years old, Mix had previously dominated the bantamweight division in Bellator.
- Record in Bellator: 8 wins, 2 losses
- Total Career Record: 19 wins, 4 losses
- Championship Reign: Held the title for over a year
- Win Streak: Six consecutive victories from May 2021 to November 2023
His tenure included a significant title fight that concluded controversially against Magomed Magomedov. A positive drug test led to the French MMA Federation overturning Mix’s win, resulting in Magomedov being declared champion.
Upcoming Fight at Rizin 52
Now, Mix has set his sights on competing in the featherweight category. He is scheduled to face Kyoma Akimoto at Rizin 52 on March 7, marking a new chapter in his fighting career. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new weight class while showcasing his skills in Rizin.
