When the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix resumes on Friday night at Bellator 289, Magomed Magomedov will look to advance to the finals, paired up with Patrick “Patchy” Mix in one of two semi-final bouts.
Magomedov (19-2) was a keen observer of Mix’s quarterfinal fight, which came against ex-champ Kyoji Horiguchi.
“That was a very intense and close fight. Very close fight. 3-2, by the rounds, Patchy won this one,” Magomedov told media outlets including Cageside Press during this week’s Bellator 289 media day. “He was just the better man that night.”
The Russian standout is expecting something similar from Mix this weekend. But whatever Patchy throws at him, Magomedov expects to be ready for it.
“I know that I’m going to face the best Patchy in his career. I’m sure he’s going to be in his best shape, and he’s going to be very motivated for this fight with me,” said Magomedov. “But I have answers and I have tools for all his attacks. Whatever he’s gonna bring on the table, we can eat it.”
With the potential to move on to the finals on the line this Friday — which would mean both a title fight and a shot at a million dollars — you might expect a few extra nerves from those involved in the grand prix semifinals. For Magomedov, however, he believes there’s nothing he hasn’t seen in a lengthy combat sports career.
“I’ve been in this sport for a long time. I don’t think there is something I haven’t seen. My experience is huge, I’ve faced really tough challenges during my career,” he stated. “Yeah there is always some small jittering before you enter in the cage, but once you’re in the cage, everything is gone, and this is where you feel comfortable.”
Magomed Magomedov meets Patchy Mix in the bantamweight grand prix semifinals at Bellator 289 this Friday, December 9, 2022 in Uncasville, CT.
