In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), competition is not just about skill; it’s about the constant pursuit of opportunity. Patchy Mix, the current Bellator bantamweight champion, is experiencing a frustrating lull in his career. Having fought just once in 2024, Mix finds himself in a worrying situation, intensified by uncertainty surrounding the future of Bellator following its acquisition by the Professional Fighters League (PFL). As a fighter who thrives on regular competition, this period of inactivity has understandably left him feeling undervalued and anxious about his role in the organization.
Mix has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of fight opportunities through social media, criticizing the promotional decisions that have sidelined him. In a poignant message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he implored the PFL management to either provide him with fights or release him from his contract, a testament to his commitment to the sport—and to himself. “If you are not gonna have me fight then just please release me from contract,” he stated, shedding light on the struggle many fighters endure when management decisions impede their careers.
This sentiment is echoed by other fighters in the organization, such as Corey Anderson and Patricio Freire, who have also articulated frustrations regarding their fighting schedules. It’s a challenge for champions like Mix, who have dedicated their careers to reaching the pinnacle of their sport, only to face significant disruptions in their activity.
The situation has been exacerbated by the cancelation of certain events, including a planned matchup for Mix against Leandro Higo, which was set to take place in Paris. Such cancellations not only deny fighters critical opportunities to defend their titles and gain momentum but also foster a sense of instability within the promotion. For a champion who has consistently demonstrated his prowess—boasting a seven-fight winning streak and two successful title defenses—the current trajectory feels counterintuitive.
Despite PFL CEO Peter Murray’s assurances of expanding event offerings, many champions remain skeptical. The ambiguity regarding fight schedules leads to a growing anxiety among these athletes, who aspire to remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
For someone like Mix, whose history in Bellator began in 2019, the longing for regular competition is more than just professional—it’s personal. His achievements should mandate the consistent attention of the promotion, yet the current climate makes it increasingly challenging for him to maintain his edge. Simply put, the lifeblood of competitive sports is the ability to perform, and when that is stripped away, it creates an unbearable frustration.
As the MMA community watches closely, the pressure mounts on Bellator and PFL to ensure that their champions are not just honored by their titles but also granted the regular competition necessary to validate their status. For Patchy Mix and others in similar predicaments, clarity and action from management are essential for the sustenance of their careers and the integrity of the sport itself.