Patchy Mix, set to make his highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 316, is exuding extreme confidence as he prepares for his first appearance in the Octagon.
Earlier this year, the former Bellator bantamweight champion became the latest high-profile free agent to sign with the UFC. With his Octagon debut just days away, Mix is already ramping up the pre-fight mind games against his upcoming opponent.
Mix and Mario Bautista are scheduled to face off in a much-anticipated main card bout at UFC 316 this Saturday in Newark. Mix`s arrival adds another compelling fighter to the already deep UFC bantamweight division.
Although the betting odds for the Mix vs. Bautista fight at UFC 316 are relatively close, Mix appears to be treating this challenge more like a straightforward victory is expected.
Patchy Mix Delivers Scathing Pre-Fight Remarks, Threatens to Submit Mario Bautista`s Entire Team
Before signing with the UFC, many considered Mix arguably the best bantamweight outside the promotion, despite fighters like UFC 316 headliner Merab Dvalishvili competing against a higher caliber of opposition. Mix, who initially built his success on an elite grappling foundation, has developed into a well-rounded mixed martial artist, presenting a difficult puzzle for his adversaries.
While Bautista enters UFC 316 on an impressive winning streak, his fighting style has sometimes been criticized by fans as being slow. Mix plans to capitalize on this perceived weakness when they meet this weekend.
In a recent segment from the UFC 316: Embedded video series, Mix offered a harsh critique of Bautista`s skills while reviewing fight footage.
He bluntly stated, “I will f— him up.”
Mix continued, “I’m a three-time world champion. This guy’s a journeyman fighter. I’ll submit him.”
He even extended his challenge beyond his opponent: “And whoever’s teaching him Jiu-Jitsu, I’ll submit the whole crew.”
Bautista is riding a seven-fight win streak heading into UFC 316, including victories over notable opponents like former UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo and Ricky Simon. His most recent win via submission occurred in March 2023.
Mix secured numerous submission and stoppage victories during his time in Bellator and PFL, including finishes over top contenders. His last loss was a unanimous decision defeat at Bellator 246.
Patchy Mix`s Debut is a Major Highlight of UFC 316
Mix joins a growing list of accomplished former Bellator and PFL fighters making the transition to the UFC Octagon. Earlier this year, former Bellator featherweight champion Patricio `Pitbull` Freire also debuted at UFC 314 but was defeated.
However, Mix`s debut is generating considerably more buzz than Freire`s, drawing comparisons to the anticipation surrounding Kayla Harrison`s recent UFC 300 debut. Harrison, another prominent former PFL champion, is already competing for the women`s bantamweight title in the UFC 316 co-main event after just two fights in the promotion.
UFC 316 headliner Merab Dvalishvili has indicated that Mix is on his radar should Mix win on Saturday. The two fighters previously trained together briefly this year and seem open to a future matchup in the Octagon.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley