‘Patchy’ mix booked for Rizin 52 after an unceremonious UFC release

“Patchy” Mix didn’t last long in the UFC. | Bellator MMA

Patrick “Patchy” Mix was considered one of the best bantamweights in the sport when he signed with the UFC.Two fights – and two losses later – Mix heads to Rizin Fighting Federation. The former Bellator MMA champion will move up to 145 pounds for a match against 19-year-old Kyoma Akimoto at Rizin 52, the Japanese promotion announced Wednesday. Rizin 52 takes place on March 7 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

Veteran vs. Prospect

Mix entered the UFC on a seven-fight winning streak and with just one loss in 21 total professional appearances. “Patchy” delivered a lackluster unanimous decision to Mario Bautista in his Octagon debut at UFC 316, and he didn’t look much better when he fell via split decision to Jakub Wiklacz at UFC 320. The 32-year-old New York native was subsequently released from his contract, according to MMAjunkie.com.Akimoto, meanwhile, has amassed an 11-1 mark since making his professional debut in June 2022. “The Hunter” is 6-1 in Rizin, with his only loss coming against Yuki Motoya in December 2024. Akimoto went 4-0 in 2025, finishing three of his opponents in the distance. Most recently, Japan’s Top Team product sent Suguru Nii with a knee to the body in the opening stanza at Rizin’s New Year’s Eve event.