Patchy Mix
Patrick "Patchy" Mix (born August 16, 1993) is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC bantamweight division.[1] A former Bellator MMA Bantamweight World Champion, Mix is renowned for his wrestling base and submission grappling, amassing 13 submission victories in a professional record of 20–3 as of November 2025.[2][3] Mix was born in Angola, New York, and raised by a single mother alongside three siblings, beginning his combat sports journey at age 14 under coach Dennis Brown.[4] He trains at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he has earned a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Harry St. Leger, and previously worked as a roofer before focusing full-time on MMA.[2] With an amateur record of 11–0, including an ISKA national bantamweight title, Mix turned professional in 2016 and quickly established himself as a top grappler, securing early wins via kneebar and rear-naked choke.[2] His fighting style emphasizes ground control and finishes, with nine first-round stoppages in his career.[2] Mix won the Bellator bantamweight title by defeating Raufeon Stots via first-round knockout on April 22, 2023, and successfully defended it by submitting Sergio Pettis on November 17, 2023.[5] Notable victories also include Kyoji Horiguchi, Juan Archuleta (for the interim title in 2021), and Magomed Magomedov, showcasing his prowess against elite competition.[2] After departing Bellator, he debuted in the UFC at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025, losing a unanimous decision to Mario Bautista, followed by a split decision loss to Jakub Wikłacz at UFC 320 on October 4, 2025.[2][5] His 2024 win over Magomed Magomedov via split decision initially faced scrutiny from a positive marijuana test reported by French regulators but was upheld by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, preserving the victory.[6] Outside the cage, Mix is engaged to UFC strawweight contender Tatiana Suarez.[2]Early life and amateur career
Early life
Patrick Ethan Mix was born prematurely, weighing just 1 pound, 1 ounce, on August 16, 1993, in Angola, New York.[2] Raised by his single mother alongside three siblings in a challenging environment, he was named after and nicknamed "Patchy" by his grandfather, who was a significant influence.[4][2] This familial support shaped his early years in the modest community of Angola, near Buffalo, where he grew up facing typical challenges of a working-class upbringing.[4] Mix attended Lake Shore High School, where he distinguished himself as a standout wrestler on the Eagles team, becoming the school's first state tournament qualifier in over 40 years during his sophomore year in the 2009-10 season.[7] His wrestling prowess highlighted his early athletic talent and discipline, earning him recognition as a Section VI champion and setting the foundation for his future in combat sports.[8] To fund his training aspirations, Mix took on early jobs, including working as a roofer for Veterans Roofing, often laboring all day before heading to evening sessions.[2] His boss eventually encouraged him to pursue fighting full-time, recognizing his potential. At age 14, Mix found inspiration in local professional fighter Dennis Brown, whom he idolized and began training under, marking his initial foray into MMA.[9]Amateur career
Patchy Mix began his MMA training at the age of 14 in Buffalo, New York, under local professional fighter Dennis Brown, integrating his high school wrestling foundation from Lake Shore High School with jiu-jitsu and striking techniques.[9][10] This early start allowed him to develop a grappling-heavy approach that would define his career, emphasizing submissions and control on the ground.[9] Mix compiled an undefeated amateur record of 11-0, competing primarily in regional promotions across New York and surrounding areas, such as the TNT Fight Series, Gladius Fights, and Strike Hard Productions.[2][11] His bouts showcased a proficiency in submissions, with notable victories including rear-naked chokes against opponents like Desmond Frklic in August 2015 at Strike Hard Productions 40 and Roger Blankenship in June 2015 at TNT Fight Series, as well as a guillotine choke finish over Kyle Blancke in January 2015 at Gladius Fights 14.[11] These performances highlighted his ability to dominate through grappling, often ending fights in the first round and setting the foundation for his professional emphasis on submissions.[11] A pinnacle of his amateur tenure came when he captured the ISKA National Bantamweight Championship, solidifying his reputation as a top prospect in the division before transitioning to professional MMA in 2016.[2] This undefeated run and title win provided crucial experience in high-pressure environments, honing the skills that propelled him into regional and national circuits.[2]Professional MMA career
Early professional bouts
Patchy Mix made his professional mixed martial arts debut on March 5, 2016, at the TNT Fight Series: Return to Riverworks in Buffalo, New York, where he defeated Jason Nicevski by technical knockout via strikes in the fourth round at 2:04.[11] This victory for the vacant TNT featherweight title highlighted Mix's striking power early in his career, as he overcame Nicevski's resilience to secure the stoppage after a competitive bout.[12] Following his debut, Mix competed primarily in regional promotions across the United States, rapidly building momentum through a series of dominant performances. He ventured into King of the Cage (KOTC) events starting in late 2016, but his most notable early stretches came in 2018 and 2019, where he went undefeated in the promotion. Key wins during this period included a third-round kneebar submission against Keith Richardson at KOTC: In the Mix on November 10, 2018, demonstrating his opportunistic grappling transitions, and a first-round TKO via elbows and punches over Turrell Galloway at KOTC: Combat Zone on February 23, 2019.[11] These bouts in promotions like KOTC showcased Mix's aggressive entries into grappling exchanges, often blending wrestling pressure with submission hunting to overwhelm opponents.[3] By early 2020, following his Rizin victory, Mix had compiled an undefeated professional record of 14-0, comprising ten submission victories and three TKOs, which underscored his versatile finishing ability rooted in his amateur wrestling and submission background.[13] This streak in regional circuits, marked by finishes in over 90% of his fights, positioned him for greater opportunities later that year.[11]Bellator MMA tenure
Patchy Mix made his promotional debut with Bellator MMA on June 14, 2019, at Bellator 222, where he submitted Ricky Bandejas via rear-naked choke in the first round at 1:06. His follow-up bout came on October 26, 2019, at Bellator 232, earning another first-round submission victory over Isaiah Chapman with a kneebar at 3:49. Mix's third appearance was a high-profile title challenge against Juan Archuleta for the vacant Bellator Bantamweight Championship at Bellator 246 on September 12, 2020, resulting in a unanimous decision loss after five rounds. Mix also competed at Rizin 20 on December 31, 2019, submitting Yuki Motoya via guillotine choke in the first round at 1:37, maintaining his undefeated streak. Following the setback, Mix embarked on an impressive seven-fight winning streak within the promotion, showcasing his elite grappling credentials with multiple submission finishes. Notable victories included a third-round arm-triangle choke over Albert Morales at Bellator 258 on May 7, 2021, and a third-round guillotine choke against James Gallagher at Bellator 270 on November 5, 2021. He extended his momentum with a unanimous decision over former Rizin and UFC champion Kyoji Horiguchi in the 2022 Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix quarterfinal at Bellator 279 on April 23, 2022. In the semifinals at Bellator 289 on December 9, 2022, Mix submitted Magomed Magomedov via guillotine choke in the second round at 2:39. He claimed the $1 million Grand Prix prize by knocking out Raufeon Stots with a knee in the first round of the final at Bellator 295 on April 22, 2023. Mix captured the vacant Bellator Bantamweight Championship on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301, submitting Sergio Pettis with a rear-naked choke in the second round at 1:51.[14] He made his first title defense against Magomed Magomedov on May 17, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series: Paris, securing a controversial split decision victory after five rounds. The win faced scrutiny due to a positive marijuana test reported by French regulators, but was upheld by the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation in October 2025.[6] Mix's overall record in Bellator MMA stood at 9-1, with seven finishes (four submissions, two knockouts, one other) and two decisions, highlighting his dominance in the bantamweight division post-debut loss.[11] Bellator's acquisition by the Professional Fighters League in March 2023 integrated Mix's career trajectory into the PFL structure, allowing him to continue competing under the Bellator banner for his title-winning efforts and defense while positioning him for potential cross-promotional opportunities.Ultimate Fighting Championship
Patchy Mix signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in May 2025, capitalizing on opportunities arising from PFL's 2023 acquisition of Bellator MMA, which facilitated the transition of several former Bellator champions to the UFC roster.[15] His Bellator bantamweight championship pedigree served as a key credential in securing the deal, positioning him as a high-profile addition to the promotion's 135-pound division.[9] Mix made his UFC debut on June 7, 2025, at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, facing the ranked bantamweight contender Mario Bautista on short notice. He lost the three-round bout by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), marking a challenging introduction to the Octagon despite his dominant grappling background.[2] This defeat highlighted early hurdles in the promotion, as Mix struggled to implement his submission-heavy style against Bautista's volume striking and takedown defense.[16] In his follow-up appearance, Mix competed on October 4, 2025, at UFC 320 against promotional newcomer and former KSW bantamweight champion Jakub Wiklacz. The fight went the full three rounds, with Wiklacz earning a narrow split decision victory (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), extending Mix's skid to 0-2 in the UFC.[17] Post-fight, Mix expressed resilience, stating he could not be upset with the effort and intended to rebound stronger.[18] Mix's early UFC tenure has involved notable adaptation challenges, particularly the physicality of larger-framed bantamweights in the division compared to his Bellator counterparts, which tested his frame at 5'11". Weight cutting issues were cited as a factor in his debut performance, potentially sapping his energy during the high-paced exchanges.[19] Additionally, opponents have exploited his southpaw stance, requiring adjustments to footwork and angles in the more diverse UFC matchups.[1] As of November 2025, Mix maintains a UFC record of 0-2 and holds a global bantamweight ranking of #33.[3]Professional grappling career
Key grappling matches
Patchy Mix, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Harry St. Leger, draws on his wrestling foundation from high school to excel in pure grappling competitions.[2][10] His professional grappling appearances have been limited but prominent, showcasing his proficiency in guard passing and fluid submission chains. Mix made his marquee grappling debut at ADXC 6 on October 25, 2024, in the bantamweight main event against Kairat Akhmetov.[20] He dominated the 10-minute match with relentless top control and near-submissions, including a tight Scottish twister attempt, ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-45, 49-46).[21] This bout, held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, highlighted Mix's ability to transition seamlessly between wrestling pressure and jiu-jitsu attacks in a no-strikes format.[22] While Mix holds no major titles from events like ADCC or IBJJF, he has utilized such grappling outings to stay sharp amid MMA scheduling uncertainties, as seen with his ADXC participation following a canceled Bellator title defense.[23] His submission-oriented MMA record further underscores the depth of his ground game.[2]Fighting style
Grappling expertise
Patchy Mix's grappling prowess stems from his elite wrestling foundation, developed during high school and honed through early training at age 14 under mentor Dennis Brown, a local professional fighter in New York.[24][9] This background enables him to execute dominant takedowns with high efficiency, averaging 2.50 landed per 15 minutes in UFC competition with a 62% accuracy rate, often chaining them seamlessly from striking exchanges or clinch work against the cage.[25] His wrestling-centric approach allows for rapid transitions to top control, emphasizing physical strength and grip to neutralize opponents' defenses.[26] Mix boasts a formidable submission arsenal, responsible for 13 of his 20 professional MMA victories, including signature finishes via rear-naked choke, arm-triangle, and guillotine choke.[11] The guillotine stands out as one of his most lethal tools, deployed with historical proficiency from both standing and grounded positions to catch scrambling foes.[26] His guard play integrates Brazilian jiu-jitsu elements for fluid transitions, influenced by initial training with Brown and later refined at camps like Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, where he incorporates straight-jacket controls and body triangles to maintain dominance or sweep from inferior positions.[4][2] Defensively, Mix has never been submitted in his professional career, showcasing exceptional bottom-game escapes through instant hip movements or wall walks, while stuffing takedown attempts from elite grapplers with 100% successful defense rate in UFC bouts to date.[3][25] This resilience underscores his high control time in prolonged grappling exchanges, often exceeding several minutes per fight in Bellator appearances.[27] Mix's evolution reflects a seamless blend of amateur wrestling aggression with BJJ adaptability tailored to MMA, evolving from pure takedown-and-control dominance to a more opportunistic submission threat, as evidenced by his unanimous decision victory over Kairat Akhmetov in a grappling main event at ADXC 6.[26][21]Striking and overall approach
Patchy Mix fights out of a southpaw stance, employing a basic kickboxing framework that emphasizes range control over volume output. His striking arsenal includes a long jab, teeps to maintain distance, and chopping low kicks to disrupt opponent movement, often paired with hand-fighting to set entries.[25][28][29] With only two knockout victories in his professional record—one a knee strike against Raufeon Stots in 2023—Mix rarely seeks finishes through pure power punching, instead favoring short-range clinch work where he lands elbows and knees to wear down foes before transitioning to the mat.[11][2] Mix's overall approach prioritizes grappling pressure over extended striking exchanges, using feints, prodding shots, and subtle footwork to herd opponents toward the cage for takedown setups. Career statistics reflect this restraint, with a significant strikes landed per minute (SLpM) of 5.30 and a 43% striking accuracy, indicating efficient but low-volume output focused on creating openings rather than outboxing rivals.[29][28][25] He absorbs 7.30 significant strikes per minute with a 43% defense rate, relying on his 70-inch reach and aggressive forward pressure to mitigate risks, though this has exposed vulnerabilities in prolonged stand-up scenarios.[25] In the UFC, Mix's striking limitations became more apparent against quicker, defensively sound opponents, where his hittable nature—particularly to right hooks—and lack of dynamic head movement allowed counters to land effectively.[28] His power striking is rated average at best, with clinch exchanges serving as a bridge to his wrestling base rather than a standalone weapon. Following early UFC setbacks, including unanimous decision losses to Mario Bautista and Jakub Wiklacz in 2025, Mix has shown tactical adjustments, such as refined clinch management and reshooting takedowns to counter failed initial attempts, aiming to bolster his sprawl and overall defensive posture against elite competition.[25][28][30]Personal life
Background influences
Patchy Mix, born Patrick Mix in Angola, New York, was raised by a single mother alongside three siblings with significant support from his grandfather amid financial hardships.[2][4] His grandfather not only provided a stable upbringing but also inspired Mix's nickname "Patchy," a childhood moniker that stuck as a tribute to their close bond.[2] This familial influence instilled a resilient work ethic, evident in Mix's early career when he balanced full-time labor as a roofer at Veterans Roofing during the day with evening MMA training sessions.[2][31] At age 14, Mix began his martial arts journey under the mentorship of local pro fighter Dennis Brown, whom he idolized and referred to as a "big brother" figure, crediting Brown for introducing him to MMA and shaping his foundational skills.[9] This relationship extended beyond initial training, providing ongoing guidance as Mix transitioned from high school wrestling to professional pursuits. Brown's influence fostered Mix's aggressive, no-mercy approach in the cage, reflected in his in-fight moniker "No Love," which stems from the fighter's tough upbringing in poverty and embodies a mindset of unrelenting intensity without emotional restraint.[32][33] Seeking advanced training opportunities, Mix relocated from the Buffalo area—where he initially trained at WNY MMA & Fitness—to Las Vegas, Nevada, around 2020 to join Xtreme Couture, a premier gym known for developing elite fighters.[10][34] This move allowed access to higher-level sparring partners and facilities, enhancing his development while maintaining ties to his Western New York roots. Mix is engaged to UFC strawweight contender Tatiana Suarez, having proposed to her in May 2024.[2][35] Details on Mix's current family life remain private, though he has emphasized how early economic struggles and familial support drove his unyielding dedication to the sport.[4]Post-fighting pursuits
In addition to his professional MMA career, Patchy Mix has remained actively involved in coaching and mentoring at WNY MMA & Fitness in Buffalo, New York, where he began his training and continues to guide aspiring fighters.[36] He focuses on helping young wrestlers transition to MMA, drawing from his own background in high school wrestling to emphasize technique and mental resilience for the next generation.[37] As an assistant coach for the Sweet Home High School wrestling team from 2016 to 2021, Mix frequently returns to Western New York to conduct clinics and support local combat sports programs, representing the hard work of the athletes he has trained.[38][39] Mix has expressed a strong interest in long-term coaching roles, including potentially opening his own gym in Buffalo after his fighting days conclude, building on his roots in the region and his history of balancing manual labor with training—such as his pre-MMA days working as a roofer to instill discipline and work ethic.[31][33] In media appearances, he has discussed his obsessive mindset toward improvement, notably in a 2022 short documentary where he described craving intense training sessions multiple times a week and prioritizing self-proof through finishes rather than mere victories, stating, "I’m so obsessed with what I’m doing and fighting that I don’t really even think about nothing else."[40] With over 23 professional fights by late 2025, Mix has been proactive in managing the physical toll of his career, including extended layoffs such as the one in early 2025—his longest career hiatus amid 34 total bouts (23 professional and 11 amateur)—and addressing issues like illnesses, infections, and injuries such as a severe hematoma sustained in October 2025.[41][42][43] These efforts underscore his commitment to long-term health as he navigates pursuits beyond the cage.[9]Championships and accomplishments
Major titles
Patchy Mix captured the ISKA National Bantamweight Championship as an amateur in the 2010s, going undefeated at 11-0 in his amateur career.[2] In the professional ranks, Mix won the 2023 Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix, defeating Raufeon Stots via knockout (knee) in the first round at Bellator 295 on April 22, 2023, to claim the interim Bellator Bantamweight Championship and a $1 million prize.[44][45] Later that year, on November 17, 2023, at Bellator 301, Mix unified the undisputed Bellator Bantamweight Championship by submitting Sergio Pettis with a rear-naked choke in the second round.[13][46] Mix made his first title defense on May 17, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series: Paris, narrowly retaining the belt via split decision (48-47, 48-47, 46-49) over Magomed Magomedov after five rounds of grappling-heavy action.[47] A second defense was scheduled against Leandro Higo on November 16, 2024, but it was canceled, leading to Mix's release from PFL (which had acquired Bellator); he vacated the title upon departure and held top contender status in the promotion prior to his exit.[48][49] As of November 2025, Mix has not won any titles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he debuted in June 2025 and holds a 0-2 record without championship contention.[2][25] Mix's title victories in Bellator showcased his grappling dominance, often ending fights via submission or control, during his 9-1 run with the promotion.[3]Notable records and rankings
As of November 2025, Patchy Mix maintains a professional mixed martial arts record of 20 wins, 3 losses, and no draws, with 13 of those victories secured via submission and 2 via knockout, accounting for a 75% finish rate among his wins.[3][11] His 9-1 record in Bellator represented a strong run in the promotion prior to his subsequent losses in the UFC.[2] Mix holds the distinction of achieving the most submission wins in Bellator bantamweight history during his tenure with the organization.[9] In the broader MMA landscape, Mix is currently ranked #55 in the global bantamweight division according to Tapology as of November 2025.[3] His accomplishments extend beyond MMA; as an amateur, he compiled an undefeated 11-0 record before turning professional.[2] His prior Bellator bantamweight championship served as a key booster to his overall divisional rankings.[5]Mixed martial arts record
Patchy Mix's professional mixed martial arts record stands at 20 wins and 3 losses, comprising 2 knockouts, 13 submissions, and 5 decisions.[11]| Opponent | Event | Date | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tobiaus Taylor | Prodigy MMA - Resurrection | May 28, 2016 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Noel Arcibal | KOTC - National Dispute | Sep 24, 2016 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 2:55 |
| Alberto Martinez Jr. | KOTC - Raw Deal | Feb 25, 2017 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 0:51 |
| Nicholas Gonzalez | KOTC - Public Offense | May 06, 2017 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Jesse Bazzi | KOTC - Counterstrike | Aug 12, 2017 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Andre Ewell | KOTC - Ultimate Mix | Nov 18, 2017 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 2:28 |
| Tony Gravely | KOTC - No Retreat | May 12, 2018 | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 | 1:44 |
| Fard Muhammad | KOTC - Territorial Conflict | Sep 15, 2018 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 3 | 3:48 |
| Keith Richardson | KOTC - In the Mix | Nov 10, 2018 | Win | Submission (Kneebar) | 3 | 3:29 |
| Turrell Galloway | KOTC - Combat Zone | Feb 23, 2019 | Win | TKO (Elbows and Punches) | 1 | 1:45 |
| Ricky Bandejas | Bellator 222 - MacDonald vs. Gracie | Jun 14, 2019 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 1 | 1:06 |
| Isaiah Chapman | Bellator 232 - MacDonald vs. Lima 2 | Oct 26, 2019 | Win | Submission (Kneebar) | 1 | 3:49 |
| Yuki Motoya | Rizin FF - Rizin 20 | Dec 31, 2019 | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 | 1:37 |
| Juan Archuleta | Bellator 246 - Archuleta vs. Mix | Sep 12, 2020 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Albert Morales | Bellator 258 - Archuleta vs. Pettis | May 07, 2021 | Win | Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke) | 3 | 2:40 |
| James Gallagher | Bellator 270 - Queally vs. Pitbull 2 | Nov 05, 2021 | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 3 | 0:39 |
| Kyoji Horiguchi | Bellator 279 - Cyborg vs. Blencowe 2 | Apr 23, 2022 | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Magomed Magomedov | Bellator 289 - Stots vs. Sabatello | Dec 09, 2022 | Win | Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 2 | 2:39 |
| Raufeon Stots | Bellator 295 - Stots vs. Mix | Apr 22, 2023 | Win | KO (Knee) | 1 | 1:20 |
| Sergio Pettis | Bellator 301 - Amosov vs. Jackson | Nov 17, 2023 | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 2 | 1:51 |
| Magomed Magomedov | Bellator Champions Series Paris | May 17, 2024 | Win | Decision (Split) | 5 | 5:00 |
| Mario Bautista | UFC 316 - Dvalishvili vs. O'Malley 2 | Jun 07, 2025 | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Jakub Wiklacz | UFC 320 - Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 | Oct 04, 2025 | Loss | Decision (Split) | 3 | 5:00 |