Patchy Mix is no longer part of the UFC.
The former Bellator MMA bantamweight champion and grand prix winner was considered a big signing when he joined the UFC last year. Mix (20-3) had just one professional loss at the time and was considered by many the best 135lb’er outside the UFC. However, he struggled out of the gate, losing a unanimous decision in his lackluster debut against Mario Bautista.
In Mix’s sophomore outing inside the octagon, former KSW star Jakub Wikłacz squeaked past Mix via split decision.
The bout came at UFC 320 last October. It was expected Mix would get another look in the UFC, but on Wednesday, RIZIN officials announced a bout at the upcoming RIZIN 52, featuring Mix taking on Kyoma Akimoto (11-1).
In addition to the new promotion, Mix will also be competing in a new weight class, moving up to featherweight.
Mix holds notable victories over Andre Ewell, Tony Gravely, Albert Morales, Magomed Magomedov, Kyoji Horiguchi, Raufeon Stots, and Sergio Pettis. He holds the promotional record for stoppages and submissions in Bellator bantamweight history.
His latest opponent, Akimoto, is 6-1 under the RIZIN Fighting Federation banner. Akimoto has seen his hand raised in his last four bouts.
RIZIN 52 takes place on March 6, 2026 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The move of Mix from the UFC to RIZIN runs parallel to a couple of RIZIN fighters going the opposite direction, mainly Kai Asakura and Kyoji Horiguchi. The relationship between the promotions has appeared to be closer of late, with UFC CEO and President Dana White and RIZIN’s Nobuyuki Sakakibara meeting in 2024, several months prior to Asakura moving to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
