‘Patchy’ Mix Booked for Rizin 52 Following Unceremonious UFC Release

“Patchy” Mix didn’t last long in the UFC. | Bellator
MMA

Patrick
“Patchy” Mix was regarded as one of the top bantamweights in
the sport when he signed with the
UFC.

Two fights — and two losses later — Mix is headed to
Rizin Fighting Federation. The former Bellator
MMA champion will move to 145 pounds for a matchup against
19-year-old prospect Kyoma
Akimoto at Rizin
52, the Japanese promotion announced on Wednesday. Rizin 52
takes place on March 7 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Veteran vs. Prospect

Mix entered the UFC on a seven-fight winning streak, and with just
one loss in 21 professional appearances overall. “Patchy” dropped a
lackluster unanimous verdict to Mario
Bautista inhis Octagon debut at UFC 316, and he didn’t look
much better in fallling to Jakub
Wiklacz via split decision at UFC 320. The 32-year-old New York
native was then released from his contract, according to MMAjunkie.com.

Akimoto, meanwhile, has compiled 11-1 mark since making his
professional debut in June 2022. “The Hunter” is 6-1 in Rizin, with
his lone defeat coming against Yuki Motoya
in December 2024. Akimoto went 4-0 in 2025, finishing three of his
opponents inside the distance. Most recently, the Japan Top Team
product dispatched Suguru Nii
with a knee to the body in the opening stanza at Rizin’s New Year’s
Eve event.