Breaking Down What Patchy Mix Brings to the UFC
With Marlon Vera backing out of his fight against Mario Bautista at UFC 316, a vacancy has opened up on the main card. Fortunately, the UFC may have just found the perfect replacement. Earlier this week, it was announced that former Bellator Champion Patchy Mix had become a free agent after his contract with PFL was not extended. Rumors are swirling that the UFC has already signed Mix and is eyeing him to fill that spot on the card next month. The question is: what exactly does Patchy Mix bring to the UFC?
Patchy Mix is one of the most accomplished Bantamweights outside the UFC, boasting a professional MMA record of 20-1, with the majority of his wins coming by way of finish. He’s proven himself time and time again inside the cage, and the next step is to showcase his skills on the sport’s biggest stage. Primarily known for his elite grappling, Mix has an excellent submission arsenal, regularly securing finishes with staples like rear-naked chokes and guillotines, and even rarer submissions such as kneebars. Beyond his ground game, Mix’s striking has steadily improved. Standing nearly six feet tall with a 71-inch reach, he holds a size advantage over most of the Bantamweight Division. That length could allow him to control distance with jabs, set up head kicks, and frustrate shorter opponents in striking exchanges.
His arrival would also be a significant addition to the UFC’s Bantamweight Division. In the past year, the division has started to thin out in terms of established title contenders. Fighters like Henry Cejudo and Deiveson Figueiredo are on losing streaks, while veterans such as Jose Aldo have retired. Though there’s a crop of exciting young prospects, few can match Mix’s resume or experience. Additionally, there’s no one quite like him stylistically — a tall, submission-heavy grappler in a division filled with shorter, stockier grapplers. That unique profile makes him a tough matchup for anyone in the UFC right now.
A debut fight against Mario Bautista at UFC 316 would be a perfect introduction for Mix. Bautista, currently ranked in the top 10, is a strong grappler himself and would test Mix’s ground game right away. From a promotional standpoint, it’s also an upgrade for the UFC 316 card. While Marlon Vera is the bigger name, having fought for the title last year, his stylistic weaknesses on the ground would have made for a likely decision loss to Bautista. A matchup with Mix, however, promises high-stakes grappling exchanges and a real chance of a finish, whether on the mat or in striking exchanges. Signing Patchy Mix would be a smart, forward-thinking move for the UFC — injecting fresh talent into a division in need of it and adding a legitimate future contender to the roster. It’s the kind of move the organization should continue making.
