It seems like the PFL is going through a tough phase right now. Decline in fighter pay, plans for matchups falling off, and a plethora of other reasons have plagued the promotion of late. As a result, fighters started departing from the promotion, including the ones who fought under the Bellator banner. We already have the veterans Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Patricio Pitbull jumping ship to the UFC, and now, another top free agent, Patchy Mix, is up for grabs for Dana White.
Casual fans may not be aware of it, but hardcore fans know that Patchy Mix is a pretty recognized name in the MMA world. He’s been in the game since 2016, making a name for himself in King of the Cage and, of course, Bellator. Mix is also a former interim and undisputed Bellator bantamweight champion, with a few divisional records to his name. The 31-year-old held the bantamweight title until he departed the PFL, as the promotion released a statement on social media.
“Professional Fighters League and Patchy Mix have mutually agreed to not extend his contract. We both decided this is the best course of action for PFL and him, the PFL wrote on an Instagram post. They also announced that there is going to be a new bantamweight champion crowned in the upcoming PFL World Tournament down the line.
Following the news of departure, Patchy Mix opened up about it as well. He expressed gratitude towards his former promotion, stating, “I want to thank the [PFL]. As we all know the sport of mixed martial arts needs the PFL to continue giving top fighters opportunities, as it’s the only other major company in MMA.” Mix further stated, “I wish the PFL all the success in the world going forward, as well as former competitors and everyone that’s helped make these great moments throughout the years.”
Since the acquisition of Bellator in November 2023, the PFL has not been able to put together fights for some of its biggest stars. We already saw the departure of Michael Page and Patricio Pitbull, with the latest export from there to the UFC being Aaron Pico. The organization is seeing a worrying trend of some of its biggest names leaving the promotion in search of better opportunities.
It may be a bad period for the PFL as they lost another top star, but it’s good news for fans of the UFC. After this news surfaced online, fans could not wait to send a message to Dana White about Patchy Mix’s current free agent status. Here’s what they had to say.
Fans want Dana White to sign Patchy Mix
Patchy Mix boasts an outstanding 20-1 record, with 2 knockouts and 13 submission wins. He’s a finisher and a top one at that. According to fans, he had been fighting opponents below his level, and they are now excited to see the 31-year-old perhaps join the UFC. “Free’d the Champ.. Now, he can show the world who he truly is.. Love seeing the best fighters get their [chance] to truly shine,” one fan commented. On a similar note, another added, “thank you pfl we will gladly take patchy to the ufc.”
Meanwhile, one fan said, “Ufc here we come,” insinuating the fact that Dana White may consider bringing him into the UFC. They already envision him following in Patricio Pitbull’s footsteps. “Welcome to the ufc patchy mix!!!” Additionally, some fans don’t seem to have the patience to hear any official news, as they want Dana White to “get him on International Fight Week.” Well, UFC 317 seems like it is yet to be finalized, so maybe we’ll see him in the UFC next month.
On the other hand, there were fans who put the PFL and the executives on blast. Given that it’s the only other notable rival to the UFC in this sport, there were expectations from fans for the PFL to keep growing, putting on good fights, and maintaining its roster. But in the wake of Patchy Mix’s departure, a couple of fans criticized the promotion. They added, “Keep dropping the ball,” and “You guys are horrible at running a promotion,” in that regard.
Well, what is next for Patchy Mix will become clear in the coming weeks. In the meantime, let us know what you think in the comments down below.
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