Patchy Mix, set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 316, is brimming with confidence as he prepares for his first appearance in the Octagon. The former Bellator bantamweight champion was a major free-agent signing by the UFC earlier this year. With his debut just days away, Mix is already engaging in pre-fight psychological warfare against his upcoming opponent.
Mix is scheduled to face Mario Bautista in a highly anticipated main card fight at UFC 316 this Saturday in Newark. His arrival adds another compelling contender to the already deep UFC bantamweight division (135 lbs). Despite relatively close betting odds for the fight, Mix appears to view this matchup as merely a warm-up before tackling bigger challenges.
Mix Issues Bold Challenge, Threatens to Submit Bautista and His Entire Team
Prior to joining the UFC, many considered Mix one of the top bantamweights in mixed martial arts, even while acknowledging the higher level of competition faced by fighters like UFC 316 headliner Merab Dvalishvili. Mix initially built his success on an elite grappling foundation but has since evolved into a well-rounded fighter, presenting a difficult challenge for any opponent.
Mario Bautista comes into UFC 316 on an impressive winning streak. However, some UFC fans have found his style occasionally slow or cautious during his recent fights. Mix intends to capitalize on any perceived weaknesses in Bautista`s approach this weekend.
During a recent episode of the UFC 316: Embedded video series, Mix offered a harsh critique of Bautista`s skills while reviewing fight footage.
“I`m going to mess him up,” Mix stated confidently. “I`m a multiple-time world champion. This guy is just a journeyman. I`ll submit him, and anyone teaching him Jiu-Jitsu – I`ll submit the whole crew.”
Bautista is currently on a seven-fight winning streak heading into UFC 316, with notable recent victories over figures like UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo and contender Ricky Simon. His most recent submission victory was against Guido Cannetti in March 2023.
Throughout his time competing in Bellator and PFL, Mix secured numerous finishes, particularly submissions against fighters such as Magomed Magomedov and James Gallagher (known as a former student of Conor McGregor). He has not suffered a loss since a unanimous decision defeat to Juan Archuleta at Bellator 246.
Mix`s Debut Emerges as a Key Narrative at UFC 316
Mix joins a growing list of top fighters from organizations like Bellator and PFL who have transitioned to the UFC. Earlier this year, former Bellator featherweight champion Patricio `Pitbull` Freire also made his UFC debut, competing at UFC 314, where he lost via decision to Yair Rodriguez.
However, Mix`s upcoming debut is generating significantly more buzz compared to Freire`s and is being likened to the attention surrounding Kayla Harrison`s UFC debut at UFC 300. Notably, Harrison is already challenging for the women`s bantamweight title in the co-main event of UFC 316, just her second fight in the promotion.
Merab Dvalishvili, the headliner for UFC 316, has indicated that Mix is on his radar should Mix secure a victory this Saturday. The two fighters trained together briefly earlier this year and seem open to the possibility of facing each other in the future.
