Former Champ Returns to Rizin After Being Cut from UFC

Patchy Mix (11-3) is no longer with the UFC and is now signed to face 19-year-old rising MMA star Kyoma Akimoto (11-1) at Rizin 52. Mix surprised everyone by coming out to be announced as a part of Rizin’s first show of 2026. Rizin 52 is set to take place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on March 6. Patchy Mix first fought for the promotion in 2019, defeating Yuki Motoya in the first round on their New Year’s Eve show.

Patchy Mix’s MMA Career

Patchy Mix started off his career in King of the Cage and was signed by Bellator in 2019. Mix quickly rose the ranks, only losing to then champion Juan Archuleta. He didn’t let the loss get to him as he would go on to go on a 7-fight win streak. He won the…