Patchy Mix, after a hard-fought split decision win in his rematch against Magomed Magomedov, reflects on his strategic missteps and expresses interest in facing UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo for a new challenge.
Patchy Mix didn’t have much to gain in his rematch against Magomed Magomedov. He had already choked out the Russian bantamweight less than two years ago.
Still, Mix didn’t hesitate when Bellator offered him the matchup again. He had to push through a tough split decision to retain his title in their second encounter in May.
Reflecting on the fight, the reigning 135-pound champion admits he probably approached Magomedov with the wrong strategy. His opponent made the necessary changes to avoid another submission loss.
This created a perfect storm for Mix, forcing him to battle through 25 consecutive minutes. But in the end, he still got the job done.
“I feel like he studied me pretty decently and came up with a good game plan,” Mix explained to MMA Fighting. “I don’t think I fought him necessarily in the correct way.”
Mix was trying to walk Magomedov down, using standup the entire time. He felt like he should have gone for takedowns more at the beginning of the fight.
“But I felt like I outstruck him last time so well that I didn’t need to change my game plan,” Mix added. “So it was good adjustments on his part but I’m glad I could adjust on the fly myself.”
Mix is a submission specialist and almost choked Magomedov out three times before strangling him unconscious in their first fight. This time, Magomedov stayed away from where Mix excels.
“I’m just going to make some adjustments,” Mix said. “I’m not going to let nobody get off the hook no more and just stand with them the whole time.”
With two wins over Magomedov now, Mix has dispatched one of his biggest remaining challengers on the Bellator roster. He might be looking at more rematches in the future.
After his latest win, Mix mentioned veteran Leandro Higo as a potential next opponent. Another top contender is likely Raufeon Stots, who Mix knocked out brutally in just 80 seconds back in August 2023.
Mix insists he’ll never turn down a fight if Bellator comes calling. That goes for old foes or new opposition.
Ideally, he would love to face an entirely different kind of challenge next time. The kind of challenge a UFC Hall of Famer would represent.
“Jose Aldo is a free agent,” Mix said. “I saw that he recently finished his deal over there in the UFC.”
If Aldo signs with anyone, Mix hopes it’s PFL or Bellator. Aldo just fought Jonathan Martinez at 135 pounds, but Mix thinks he’s a whole different animal than that kid.
“To the legend, much respect,” Mix said, “but I think I match up well with him.” Aldo has rarely been submitted, which excites Mix.
At 37, Aldo returned from brief retirement and dismantled Martinez at UFC 301 in April. That fight served as his final bout on his current contract with UFC.
Aldo made it clear afterward that he wants to keep fighting but wasn’t sure what’s next. Especially after dabbling in boxing over recent years.
With UFC’s bantamweight title picture filled up right now—champion Sean O’Malley preparing to battle Merab Dvalishvili later this year and Cory Sandhagen clashing with Umar Nurmagomedov—Aldo could be far from another shot at gold.
But if Aldo joins Bellator’s roster, he could potentially slide right into a title fight against Mix. The reigning champion welcomes that opportunity.
“My mouth waters thinking about that shit,” Mix said. “They need a big fight for that guy.”
Mix believes he’s the top-ranked bantamweight outside of Aldo’s promotion and even inside it. If Aldo sticks to MMA and goes anywhere else, Mix wants to be the one who welcomes him.
“He’s a legend and I respect him,” Mix said. “This guy paved the road.”
Before his split decision against Magomedov in their rematch, Mix had looked unstoppable with six straight wins including five finishes by knockout or submission.
Because his most recent fight was too close for comfort, Mix really wants to return to form when he competes again—and couldn’t think of a better person than Aldo to bring that out of him.
“I’m sure he’s chasing big challenges,” Mix said about Aldo’s recent bout against Martinez who was also on a seven-fight win streak himself.
Aldo rocked Martinez and did really well with a dope takedown in the third round—a double leg reminiscent of old Jose Aldo at Rio card days—it was cool to watch.
“But I would want to finish that guy,” said Mix about facing Aldo next time around. He has such a sour taste from going to decision last time; should’ve never let go of that guillotine and strangled unconscious instead—beating head over it!