Quick Read
- Patchy Mix has been released by the UFC after a brief two-fight stint.
- The former Bellator bantamweight champion has signed with RIZIN Fighting Federation.
- Mix will make his RIZIN debut at RIZIN 52 on March 6, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.
- He will compete at featherweight, moving up from his previous bantamweight division.
- His first opponent in RIZIN will be Japan’s Kyoma Akimoto.
TOKYO (Azat TV) – Mixed martial arts standout Patchy Mix, a former Bellator champion, has officially parted ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is set to make his debut with Japan’s RIZIN Fighting Federation on March 6, 2026, at RIZIN 52 in Tokyo. The move, confirmed by RIZIN officials on Wednesday, January 28, marks a significant career pivot for Mix, who struggled through two decision losses in his brief UFC tenure and will now compete in a new featherweight division.
Patchy Mix’s Brief UFC Stint Concludes
Patchy Mix, 32, entered the UFC last year with considerable hype, following the PFL’s acquisition of Bellator where he was a bantamweight champion and grand prix winner. Prior to his UFC signing, Mix (20-3) was widely regarded as one of the best 135-pound fighters outside the organization, having only one professional loss at the time. However, his highly anticipated run in the Octagon proved challenging.
His UFC debut saw him suffer a unanimous decision loss to top contender Mario Bautista in June. This was followed by a split decision defeat to former KSW champion Jakub Wikłacz at UFC 320 last October. These consecutive losses, a departure from his dominant Bellator record which included notable victories over Magomed Magomedov, Kyoji Horiguchi, Raufeon Stots, and Sergio Pettis, led to his eventual release from the promotion.
A New Chapter at RIZIN 52
With his transition to RIZIN, Mix is not only changing promotions but also weight classes. He will move up to featherweight, a decision reportedly influenced by his struggles with the bantamweight cut, aiming to improve performance and consistency. His debut fight at RIZIN 52 will see him face Japan’s Kyoma Akimoto (11-1) at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Akimoto, a 19-year-old talent, enters the bout with strong momentum, having won his last three fights and secured eight finishes in his 11 career victories. He holds a 6-1 record under the RIZIN Fighting Federation banner, making him a formidable opponent for Mix’s re-introduction to the international stage.
RIZIN 52 is scheduled for March 6, 2026, with local time in Tokyo being March 7. The event represents a fresh opportunity for Mix to regain his winning form and re-establish himself among the global elite in mixed martial arts, as reported by MMA Junkie and Cageside Press.
Evolving Dynamics Between Promotions
The movement of Patchy Mix from the UFC to RIZIN reflects an ongoing trend of fighter exchanges between the two major promotions. This includes prominent RIZIN fighters like Kai Asakura and Kyoji Horiguchi making the move to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in recent years. This dynamic suggests a closer relationship between UFC and RIZIN, with UFC CEO and President Dana White and RIZIN’s Nobuyuki Sakakibara reportedly meeting in 2024 to discuss potential collaborations.
Mix’s departure from the UFC and immediate signing with RIZIN underscores the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of professional MMA, where even highly touted prospects must consistently perform to maintain their standing in top-tier organizations, often finding new opportunities on the global circuit.