The elite ranks of the UFC Bantamweight division just shook up a bit.
Earlier this week, multiple reports confirmed that former title challenger Marlon Vera was withdrawing from his scheduled scrap opposite surging contender Mario Bautista for reasons unknown. The bout was planned for UFC 316, which is scheduled for June 7 in Newark, New Jersey. Immediately, all eyes went to Patchy Mix, the recently released Bellator kingpin who never actually fought for new owners, the Professional Fighter’s League (PFL).
Fortunately, X user @MagicM_MMABets — the same source who first broke the “Chito” withdraw — has confirmed that Mix vs. Bautista is on for UFC 316. We’re still waiting on an official announcement, but currently, all signs point to Mix vs. Bautista in “Gateway City.”
Who is Patchy Mix? The final Bantamweight champion in Bellator history just might be the best fighter on that (former) roster. The 31-year-old veteran is riding a stellar seven-fight win streak that includes victories over the likes of Kyoji Horiguchi, Magomed Magomedov, and Sergio Pettis. He’s an exceptional grappler with dangerous stand up, a welcome addition to the UFC’s Bantamweight ranks.
If PFL didn’t intend to keep a fighter like Mix, what was the point of that pricy buyout again?
Mario Bautista is the furthest thing from an easy debut opponent. Already Top 10, Bautista is riding an excellent seven-fight win streak of his own that includes victories over Jose Aldo and Ricky Simon. The Aldo fight was horrendously boring, but overall, Bautista has been consistently must-watch and finished most of his opposition.
Assuming it all works out as planned, who keeps their win streak alive in “Dirty Jersey?”
