As Patrick “Patchy” Mix works his way through the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix, he’s also working his way towards another crack at the world title.
Bellator 289 is the next step in the journey back for Mix, who lost a unanimous decision against Juan Archuleta in 2020 for the then-vacant Bellator bantamweight title. On the opposite side of the tournament bracket from interim champ Raufeon Stots, Mix needs to get past Magomed Magomedov this Friday for another shot at gold.
And, of course, a million dollars. Although for Mix (16-1), it’s the belt that matters most, he told Cageside Press during the Bellator 289 media day.
“They both come together, so I guess they’re equal meaning to me. But I really, really want the belt. Having an opportunity at it and falling short, a round short— I’ve got experience that you can’t get,” Mix explained. “I went to six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve and 0, I fought all those fights. I’m an experienced veteran now. The title means everything. Having the second chance at it, I gotta earn my shot. Friday night I’m gonna earn my shot at the belt, and my next fight I’m going to get it.”
Mix certainly has a tale of personal redemption set out in front of him. Despite that, the pressure he’s putting on himself has been consistent.
“It’s the same pressure as last fight. I’m coming off of the tournament favorite to me the winner. Kyoji Horiguchi, a former champion. I had the same pressure last fight. But I’m made through pressure,” exclaimed Mix. “Me having a shot back at this is everything to me.”
“I’m 16-1, and I have an asterisk with that 1. I’m one round removed from winning that fight. In my eyes, I really could be 17-0 with minor adjustments,” Mix continued. “This is my chance to prove it to myself. I go out there, put on the performance of my life, go finish this guy, and make a statement for my name, Patchy Mix. One of the best bantamweights in the world.”
On the opposite side of the bracket, Raufeon Stots faces Danny Sabatello at Bellator 289. Mix wants to fight the best — and believes that to be Stots.
“I want to fight the best fighter. Stots, if you look at him on paper, he’s a lot better than Sabatello. If Sabatello can stall him out, hug his way to a decision, I don’t mind fighting him. But I want to fight the best guy. I feel like the hardcore MMA fans, the people that are involved in this sport, really [know] Raufeon Stots is a highly touted name, and I want that name on my record.”
Patchy Mix faces Magomed Magomedov at Bellator 289 this Friday, December 9, 2022 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
