Kamaru Usman offers an explanation for former Bellator champion Patchy Mix`s underwhelming performance in his UFC debut.
Patchy Mix arrived in the UFC with significant acclaim, boasting a 20-1 record and plenty of anticipation after leaving PFL. However, his highly anticipated octagon debut at UFC 316 resulted in a clear, lopsided decision loss to top contender Mario Bautista, who notably outperformed Mix in striking.
Following the fight, Mix issued a statement acknowledging his disappointing showing and mentioning that he accepted the bout on short notice (three weeks) as a replacement for Marlon Vera.
While Usman agrees that the short preparation time might have played a role, he offered his primary theory on what contributed to Mix`s struggles.
“Honestly, I think Patchy Mix cut too much weight,” Usman said on his Pound 4 Pound podcast. “He looked like his body was not responding. That’s not the Patchy Mix that we’re used to seeing. Everything was flat.”
Usman elaborated that Mix barely threw strikes and lacked combinations, contrasting sharply with Bautista`s varied attack that targeted the head and body.
“Bautista looked amazing, but I think the story was I don’t think Patchy Mix recovered from that weight cut.”
Usman reiterated his belief in Mix`s talent, saying, “Patchy Mix has all the skills… and I think he definitely can be at the top of this division.”
However, he stressed the need to address the weight cutting process, stating, “I think we need to think about what that weight cut is like because it looked bad and I think it was that weight cut.”
Before signing with the UFC, Mix was widely regarded as the premier bantamweight competitor outside the organization. His resume includes significant victories over fighters like Kyoji Horiguchi, Sergio Pettis, Raufeon Stots, and Magomed Magomedov (though one win against Magomedov was a close split decision).
Despite his impressive track record in Bellator, his last two fights, including the UFC debut, have raised questions about his status as a top contender in the promotion.
Usman, who stated he has known Mix for a long time, reiterated Mix`s high level of talent and potential to be a champion. However, he emphasized, “I think that weight class, we’ve got to figure out… if it’s going to be at this weight class then it might potentially have to be a lifestyle change because it looked like he cut too much weight to get down to this weight class and it showed in the fight. It looked bad.”
He concluded positively, “But I do think Patchy Mix is very, very skilled, and I can’t wait to see how he rebounds from this.”
Shifting focus, Usman also commended Mario Bautista, highlighting his impressive eight-fight win streak in the competitive bantamweight division. Usman noted that Bautista`s dominant performance against Mix stood in contrast to his recent tactical win over Jose Aldo, which had drawn some criticism for being grappling-heavy.
Usman argued that the significant championship buzz surrounding Mix before the fight should now logically shift to Bautista following his decisive victory.
“He’s damn good,” Usman stated regarding Bautista, adding, “What he did last night really showed people that he’s damn good. So we’ve got to move him up in that rankings.”
Usman even suggested a fight against champion Sean O’Malley, reasoning that had Mix, who was expected to easily defeat Bautista, managed a quick finish, he would have made a strong case for a title shot based on his resume. Therefore, Bautista`s dominant win warrants significant recognition.
