PFL co-founder Donn Davis’s recent comments directed at Patchy Mix concerning his upcoming fight at UFC 316 did not receive a positive response from the public.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship`s bantamweight category has become even more competitive with the addition of Patchy Mix, a former Bellator titleholder. Mix is scheduled to make his first appearance in the UFC on short notice at the upcoming UFC 316 event taking place in Newark. This move follows his departure from the PFL earlier in the year after several months of strained relations.
Mix is set to compete against Mario Bautista, a contender ranked within the top 15 and a teammate of Sean O’Malley, on the main card of UFC 316. A victory in this bout could potentially propel Mix into the densely packed championship picture within the bantamweight division.
Patchy Mix is among the latest of several PFL fighters who have transitioned to the UFC Octagon, a trend occurring after difficulties in their relationship with the PFL promotion’s management. Despite Mix`s contentious exit, one of the PFL leaders still chose to offer him good wishes leading up to UFC 316.
Fan Reactions to Donn Davis`s Message
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), PFL co-founder Donn Davis shared a message wishing both Mix and Kayla Harrison success ahead of their appearances at UFC 316.
Davis posted on Sunday, “I always say there are numerous GREAT MMA fighters OUTSIDE [UFC].” He added, “Good luck to former [PFL] stars [Kayla Harrison and Patchy Mix] June 7th.” (Note: The date mentioned in the original text appears incorrect; UFC 316 was in June 2024).
However, despite Davis’s seemingly gracious message, fans were critical of the PFL executive, particularly following Mix’s departure from the organization. Reactions included:
“You’re letting them all walk back to the UFC. Insane work,” one fan replied.
“This isn’t the flex you think it is,” another said.
“Dakota gonna be on a UFC card in a year or 2.”
“And they want nothing to do with you.”
“You guys screwed over Patchy Mix get outta here.”
“Donn I know you don’t usually watch MMA but this is actually a UFC card.”
“They left because you can’t give them any rights.”
“You might be the dumbest man in combat sports.”
“Thank you for letting him go your organization is straight dog s—.”
“Respect for letting him go. Why did PFL buy Bellator tho? The org could have just let it collapse and made deals with select fighters. I’m guessing it was a Turki idea idealizing it as if it were strikeforce. Genuine question tho…it doesn’t feel like it made any financial sense.”
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, Aaron Pico, and Patchy Mix are among several prominent fighters who have left the PFL in recent months to pursue opportunities under the significant spotlight of the UFC. Pico is anticipated to debut in the UFC later this year, while Pitbull faced a loss to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314 in the previous month.
Patchy Mix and Merab Dvalishvili
As Patchy Mix gets ready for his first fight in the UFC, a potential future confrontation with the UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili, appears possible. According to Mix, the current champion is open to his entry into the title contender pool.
Mix and Dvalishvili had a brief conversation while they were training together during Mix’s contract issues with the PFL, hinting that the two bantamweights might be on a path to face each other in the future. Coincidentally, Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 316.
Should Mix achieve an impressive finish in his debut, it could significantly bolster his argument for a title shot. Given that Dvalishvili has already competed against and defeated most of the top bantamweights at least once, Mix stands out as one of the few elite contenders who has not yet had an opportunity to challenge the champion.
Percy Harlow