Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman suggests that Patchy Mix`s disappointing performance in his highly anticipated UFC 316 debut was already compromised before he even stepped into the cage.
Highly touted former Bellator champion Patchy Mix, one of the UFC`s most significant recent signings, delivered a performance below expectations in his debut at UFC 316.
UFC bantamweight contender Mario Bautista ended Mix`s impressive seven-fight win streak, establishing himself as a notable fighter in the division. Mix`s approach in the fight was puzzling, as he primarily relied on striking rather than utilizing his renowned grappling against Bautista in the Octagon.
Mix`s bid for a swift climb in the UFC bantamweight rankings was hampered by this promotional debut loss. However, a former UFC champion points to the official weigh-in on Friday as the point where Mix`s chances for a winning debut were jeopardized.
Kamaru Usman Attributes Patchy Mix`s Subpar Debut to Difficult Weight Cut
Speaking on a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman offered his assessment of what went wrong for Mix at UFC 316.
“Honestly, I think Patchy Mix cuts too much weight,” Usman said of Mix. “He looked like his body was not responding, that’s not the Patchy Mix that we’re used to seeing. Everything was flat. Patchy Mix threw one, real, punch. That was a right hook, and that was it. Head movement wasn’t there, and it was a right hook and right counter hook [the whole time]…”
Usman continued, “Patchy Mix has all the skills, a lot of skills, and I think he definitely can be at the top of this division. But I think we need to think about that weight cut, because it looked bad and I think it was that weight cut.”
Mix`s previous weight miss was at Bellator 270, where he secured a third-round victory over James Gallagher in a catchweight bout. Following that, Mix went on to win the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix, defeating tough opponents like Raufeon Stots, Magomed Magomedov, and Kyoji Horiguchi.
Despite the setback at UFC 316, Mix maintains a positive outlook and is preparing for a return fight later this year. He recently addressed critics with a strong statement following significant online backlash after falling short in his UFC debut.
Kamaru Usman Set for Welterweight Return at UFC Atlanta, Aiming to Reclaim Form
Inspired perhaps by watching UFC 316, Usman is focused on his own path to redemption as he prepares for his welterweight return this Saturday at UFC Atlanta. Usman is scheduled to headline a strong card against Joaquin Buckley, marking the UFC`s return to State Farm Arena.
This fight marks Usman`s first appearance in the welterweight division since consecutive defeats to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 and UFC 286. His last bout was a middleweight debut on short notice at UFC 294, where he lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev.
Returning to 170 lbs, Usman faces a significant challenge in Joaquin Buckley. Buckley has been highly successful since committing to the welterweight division, securing notable recent victories against Colby Covington, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque.
Percy Harlow