Patchy Mix Released from PFL, Eyes UFC as Bantamweight Star Becomes Free Agent

May 13, 2025 – 8:06 PM MDT

Patchy Mix, Free Agent

In a major shakeup for the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape, Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix has been granted his release from the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the promotion announced Tuesday via a statement on X. The move comes after Mix, sidelined for nearly a year, publicly campaigned for his freedom, citing frustration over inactivity during the prime of his career. Now a free agent, the 31-year-old phenom is widely expected to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which could send shockwaves through the UFC’s stacked 135-pound division.

The PFL’s statement was brief but definitive: “Professional Fighters League and Patchy Mix have mutually agreed not to extend his contract. We wish Patchy Mix all the best in his future.” While framed as a mutual decision, Mix’s vocal discontent over the past several months played a pivotal role. The Buffalo, New York, native last fought in May 2024, defending his Bellator bantamweight title against Magomed Magomedov in Paris. Since then, he has been left on the shelf, a casualty of the PFL’s 2023 acquisition of Bellator and the subsequent integration of its roster.

Mix, who boasts a 20-1 professional record with 13 submissions, did not mince words about his situation. In a February 2025 interview with MMA Junkie Radio, he declared, “I’m in the prime of my career, and I’m the best bantamweight in the world.” On February 3, he took to X, pleading, “PLEASE RELEASE me from my contract so I can perform to make money and do what I have to do to support my family.” His campaign resonated with fans and fighters alike, drawing parallels to other Bellator champions like Ryan Bader and Patricio Freire, who also parted ways with the PFL in 2025 after similar frustrations.

The PFL’s decision to release Mix ends a saga that began with the Bellator acquisition. While the merger aimed to position the PFL as a stronger rival to the UFC, it has faced criticism for mismanaging its inherited talent. Mix’s inactivity, despite being a reigning champion, underscored these challenges, making his release a logical, if belated, outcome.

UFC as the Next Chapter

With his PFL contract behind him, speculation is rife that Mix will sign with the UFC, the world’s premier MMA promotion. The UFC’s 135-pound ranks are among the most competitive in the sport, led by champion Merab Dvalishvili, who defended his title against Umar Nurmagomedov in January 2025 and is slated to rematch Sean O’Malley at UFC 316 on June 7, 2025. Contenders like Cory Sandhagen, Deiveson Figueiredo, Petr Yan, and Marlon Vera round out a murderer’s row of talent. Mix’s arrival would add a new dimension, with his elite wrestling and submission game posing matchup nightmares for the division’s strikers and grapplers alike.

“Patchy Mix in the UFC bantamweight division would be insane,” posted @mma_kings

on X, echoing the excitement of fans envisioning dream fights. A debut against a top-10 fighter like Yan or Sandhagen, who is coming off a submission win over Figueiredo in May 2025, could catapult Mix into title contention. His claim of being the world’s best bantamweight, often reiterated on social media, would face its ultimate test in the UFC’s Octagon.

Challenges and Opportunities

Joining the UFC would not be without hurdles. Mix’s year-long layoff could require time to shake off ring rust, and the UFC’s matchmaking often pits newcomers against established names to prove their worth. Financially, while the UFC offers lucrative pay-per-view bonuses and global exposure, Mix will need to secure a contract befitting his status as a former champion, navigating the promotion’s sometimes conservative entry-level deals.

Still, the opportunities outweigh the challenges. The UFC’s platform would allow Mix to compete regularly, showcase his skills to a broader audience, and pursue his goal of undisputed bantamweight supremacy. His grappling-heavy style, honed under coaches like Dominick Cruz and Eric Albarracin, could disrupt the division’s hierarchy, making him a dark horse in a field of killers.

Broader Implications

Mix’s release highlights ongoing issues with the PFL-Bellator merger. The sidelining of high-profile fighters has drawn scrutiny, with Mix’s case serving as a cautionary tale of talent mismanagement. For the UFC, signing Mix would reinforce its dominance, absorbing yet another rival’s champion and further solidifying its bantamweight division as the gold standard.

As Patchy Mix enters free agency, the MMA world awaits his next move with bated breath. The UFC seems the most likely destination, offering the stage for “No Love” to prove his bold claims. Whether he’s locking in a rear-naked choke or trading blows with the division’s elite, Mix’s journey promises to be must-watch. For now, the bantamweight star is free, and the UFC’s door is wide open.

Stay tuned for updates on Patchy Mix’s next move as this story develops.