Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman suggests that Patchy Mix`s problematic debut at UFC 316 was already set up hours before he even stepped into the cage.
Patchy Mix, a former Bellator champion and one of the UFC`s notable recent signings, failed to meet expectations in his first appearance at UFC 316.
Mario Bautista, a contender in the UFC bantamweight division, stopped Mix`s seven-fight winning streak, establishing himself as a significant fighter. Mix`s performance was puzzling; he relied heavily on striking against Bautista in the Octagon, neglecting his superior grappling skills.
Mix`s aim for a rapid climb in the UFC bantamweight ranks was hindered by his promotional debut loss. However, a former UFC champion argues that Mix`s chances of a winning debut were compromised starting from Friday`s official weigh-in.
Kamaru Usman Attributes Patchy Mix`s Difficult UFC Debut to a Bad Weight Cut
Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast recently, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman offered his analysis of Mix`s struggles at UFC 316.
“Honestly, I think Patchy Mix cuts too much weight,” Usman commented regarding Mix. “He appeared physically unresponsive; this wasn`t the Patchy Mix we typically see. His performance lacked intensity. Patchy Mix landed only one significant punch, a right hook, and that was it. His head movement was absent, and he primarily relied on right hooks and counter hooks throughout the fight… “Patchy Mix possesses extensive skills, and I believe he`s capable of reaching the top of the division. But I suspect we need to consider his weight cut, as he looked unwell, and I believe that was the cause.”
Mix had not failed to make weight since Bellator 270, where he beat James Gallagher in a third-round catchweight bout. Following that, Mix won the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix, defeating fighters like Raufeon Stots, Magomed Magomedov, and Kyoji Horiguchi.
Despite the defeat at UFC 316, Mix maintains a positive outlook and is getting ready for a return bout later this year. He recently addressed his online detractors with a strong message after receiving significant criticism following his unsuccessful UFC debut.
Kamaru Usman Aims to Reclaim Form in Welterweight Return at UFC Atlanta
Having observed the fighters at UFC 316 last weekend, Usman is seeking his own resurgence as he competes in the welterweight division this Saturday at UFC Atlanta. Usman headlines a strong fight card against Joaquin Buckley, marking the UFC`s anticipated return to State Farm Arena.
This will be Usman`s first fight back at welterweight since consecutive losses to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 and UFC 286. His most recent bout was his middleweight debut at UFC 294, where he lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev on short notice.
Usman faces a formidable opponent in Buckley for his 170 lb comeback. Buckley has been impressive since moving full-time to welterweight, securing notable victories against Colby Covington, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque during his rise.
Gareth Pendleton