Breaking News: Ex-Bellator Champ Patchy Mix Signs with UFC, Jumps into UFC 316 Main Card

The UFC just dropped a bombshell on the MMA world! Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix has officially signed with the promotion and is wasting absolutely no time making his presence felt. In a move that has fight fans buzzing, Mix has agreed to step in on short notice for the upcoming UFC 316 main card in June.

This unexpected development has completely reshuffled what was already shaping up to be an explosive event. Let me break down what this means for the fight world and why this is such a massive acquisition for the UFC.

The Meteoric Rise of Patchy Mix

If you’ve been sleeping on Patchy Mix’s career, now’s the time to wake up. The 30-year-old has been on an absolute tear in Bellator, where he captured the bantamweight championship with a dominant performance against Sergio Pettis last year. With a professional record of 19-1, Mix brings a dangerous submission game that has seen him finish 12 opponents via tapout.

I’ve been following Mix for years, and what impresses me most is his evolution from prospect to full-blown champion. His only career loss came against Juan Archuleta in a razor-close split decision for the vacant Bellator bantamweight title back in 2020. Since then? He’s been untouchable.

What This Means for UFC 316

The addition of Mix to UFC 316 instantly elevates the card’s prestige. While the UFC hasn’t officially announced his opponent yet, rumors are swirling that he’ll face a top-10 bantamweight. This is the kind of high-risk, high-reward scenario that can catapult a fighter into immediate title contention.

The event, headlined by Alex Pereira defending his light heavyweight championship against Jiri Prochazka, now features:

The Bellator-to-UFC Pipeline Continues

Mix joins a growing list of former Bellator champions who have crossed over to the UFC. This trend has accelerated since the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, with several top stars choosing to test themselves in the UFC’s octagon rather than remain with the restructured organization.

What makes Mix’s signing particularly interesting is the timing. The bantamweight division is arguably the most talent-stacked weight class in the UFC right now, with Sean O’Malley defending his title against Merab Dvalishvili on the very same card where Mix will make his debut.

Why This is a Smart Move for Mix

Taking a short-notice fight for your UFC debut might seem risky, but I actually think this is brilliant strategy from Mix:

• Immediate visibility on a major PPV card
• No drawn-out training camp anxiety
• Lower expectations due to the short notice
• Potential to be in the title conversation immediately with an impressive win

Plus, Mix has consistently shown he performs at his best when the stakes are highest. This is exactly the kind of moment fighters dream about — making your UFC debut on a major card where you can steal the show.

What Fans Can Expect from Mix’s UFC Debut

If you’ve never seen Patchy Mix fight, you’re in for a treat. His grappling is elite-tier, with a particularly nasty guillotine that has become his signature submission. But don’t mistake him for a one-dimensional fighter — his striking has improved dramatically over the past two years.

The big question is how his style will translate to the UFC’s octagon. The cage dimensions, referee tendencies, and overall pace of UFC fights differ slightly from Bellator. However, Mix’s technical approach should adapt seamlessly to his new promotional home.

How This Impacts the Bantamweight Division

The 135-pound division just got even more interesting. With O’Malley defending against Dvalishvili, Petr Yan trying to rebuild, Marlon Vera coming off a title shot, and now Patchy Mix entering the mix (pun intended), we’re looking at a weight class absolutely stacked with killers.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mix matched up with someone like Rob Font, Song Yadong, or even Dominick Cruz for his debut. The UFC typically likes to test new signees from other promotions against established UFC veterans.

Mark Your Calendars for UFC 316

UFC 316 is shaping up to be one of the can’t-miss events of the year. With three title fights and now the high-profile debut of Patchy Mix, this card represents everything great about MMA in 2024.

The event takes place on June 29th at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tickets are already selling fast, and this latest addition will only accelerate demand.

Are you excited to see how Patchy Mix performs in the UFC? Who do you think would make the perfect opponent for his debut? Let me know in the comments below!

Source: UFC official announcement