The UFC brass has lately been trying to increase its stakes by inducting stars from other promotions to its roster. Following Patricio Pitbull’s debut at UFC 314, the authorities recently signed the former Bellator Bantamweight Champion Patchy Mix to the UFC roster.
Mix is set to debut on short notice at UFC 316 against a seasoned bantamweight, Mario Bautista, who beat Jose Aldo in his last fight.
Patchy Mix’s Opponent Wouldn’t Have the Answer to His Ground Game: Aljamain Sterling
Aljamain captured the bantamweight title at UFC 259 via disqualification, but he proved his worth as a champion by defending his title three times before losing it at UFC 292.
Sterling doesn’t hesitate to voice his opinions about various UFC affairs, even if they aren’t related to him. Recently, “Funk Master” penned a note of appreciation on X for the UFC authorities following their decision to include an incredibly potent fighter like Mix in their roster.
He mentioned, “Great signing for a top-level talent!”.
Fans started a conversation about Mix’s debut fight against Bautista in the comments section of Sterling’s update. The former bantamweight king also chimed in with his two cents.
Sterling predicted that the former Bellator champion’s ground game would be his biggest weapon against Bautista, and warned Bautista about not making a particular mistake.
“Patchy takes his back and back packs him. If Mario shoots, he’s in big trouble and getting finished,” said Sterling.
He also suggested a couple of ways for Bautista to gain the upper hand in the fight. Sterling stated, “His [Bautista’s] path to victory is pushing him [Mix] on the cage and/or striking.”
However, he resorted to counting Mix as the favorite once more at the end of his statement.
“If Patchy closes the distance and gets an underhook, like all his other fights, the fight’s as good as over. Interesting fight.”, mentioned the former bantamweight champ.
Patchy takes his back and back packs him. If Mario shoots he’s in big trouble and getting finished. His path to victory is pushing him on the cage and/or striking. If Patchy closes the distance and gets an underhook, like all his other fights, the fights as good as over.… https://t.co/U3VC92RF4k
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 18, 2025
Mix’s Bellator resume explains why Sterling considered his ground game Bautista’s potential kryptonite. Mix earned submission victories in six of his nine fights in the promotion. Time will tell if he can show similar dominance on the ground in the UFC.
Fans will have to wait for his debut at UFC 316 to find out.
A bantamweight title rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley will headline the card. Mix and Dvalishvili have been training partners for a long time. However, Mix has no reservations about fighting a teammate for the belt, unlike Sterling. He also plans to avenge Aldo by beating Bautista at the event.
