Former Bellator bantamweight champion and two-fight UFC veteran Patchy Mix has reportedly been relea
sed from RIZIN after a disastrous two-fight run with the Japanese promotion.
According to Dropkick, RIZIN removed Mix from its active roster and terminated the remainder of his contract. The promotion has yet to formally announce his departure.
Just two years ago, Mix was considered one of the best bantamweights in the world. Impressive victories over Kyoji Horiguchi, Raufeon Stots, Magomed Magomedov and Sergio Pettis helped establish him as one of the most dangerous fighters outside the UFC.
His dominant run eventually earned him a UFC contract in May 2025, but his long-awaited arrival inside the Octagon quickly went sideways.
“No Love” suffered consecutive decision losses to Mario Bautista and Jakub Wiklacz, prompting the UFC to release him after just two appearances. Mix then signed with RIZIN and moved up to featherweight in hopes of rebuilding his career overseas. Unfortunately, things only got worse.
The 33-year-old suffered the first stoppage loss of his professional career when 19-year-old prospect Kyoma Akimoto knocked him out in his promotional debut at RIZIN 52. Mix then returned to bantamweight for a matchup against Shoko Sato at RIZIN 54.
However, Mix missed weight by a staggering 6.3 pounds, coming in at 140.7 pounds for a 134.4-pound contest. The significant weight miss resulted in a two-point deduction, and RIZIN’s special rules meant Mix could not officially win the contest. Sato eventually defeated him by unanimous decision.
RIZIN CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara publicly criticized Mix after the weigh-in, describing the situation as unacceptable. Promotion officials also acknowledged that terminating his contract remained a possibility.That possibility has now reportedly become reality.
According to Dropkick, RIZIN removed Mix from its updated roster and terminated his contract. It remains unclear whether the former Bellator champion will negotiate a new deal with the promotion or explore other opportunities in free agency.
Mix leaves RIZIN with an 0-2 record and four consecutive losses across the UFC and RIZIN. It marks a remarkable fall for a fighter who entered the UFC with a 20-1 record and a reputation as one of the most sought-after free agents in MMA.
His last professional victory came against Sergio Pettis at Bellator 301, where he successfully defended his bantamweight title. Before his recent struggles, Mix had won 19 of his first 20 professional fights and built a reputation as one of the best fighters outside the UFC.
The 33-year-old will now have to return to the drawing board as he considers his next move.
