The UFC is no stranger to elite talent, but few recent signings have stirred up as much excitement—and controversy—as Patchy Mix, the former Bellator bantamweight champion. After dominating Bellator’s 135-pound division with a lethal mix of grappling and finishing ability, Mix is finally heading to the UFC—and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes he may be the best prospect the promotion has seen in years.

Patchy Mix Released by PFL, Eyes Potential UFC Debut Against Sean O'Malley | MMA UK

Patchy Mix Joins the UFC: A Game-Changer at 135?

Patchy Mix enters the UFC with a 19-1 professional record and a reputation as one of the most dangerous submission artists in MMA today. With wins over the likes of Raufeon Stots, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Magomed Magomedov, Mix didn’t just beat top names—he finished many of them. Now, fans and analysts are buzzing about how he’ll fare in the shark tank of the UFC’s bantamweight division.

MMA: Bellator champion Patchy Mix asks to be released from PFL contract - BBC Sport

Michael Bisping recently commented on his YouTube channel:

“Patchy Mix is the real deal. You look at what he did in Bellator—he was dominant, ruthless, and composed. If he can do that in the UFC, we may be looking at the next big star at 135.”

Bellator 289: Patchy Mix Chokes Out Magomed Magomedov, Advances to Grand Prix Final

Why Bisping Calls Him One of the Most Anticipated Debuts

Bisping didn’t mince words when listing Patchy among the “Top 5 Most Anticipated UFC Debuts” of the last decade, alongside names like Michael Chandler, Alex Pereira, and Khamzat Chimaev.

Patchy Mix ya habría firmado con UFC; ¿Cuándo debutaría?

According to Bisping:

“Mix brings something fresh. He’s a finisher in a division full of decisions. He doesn’t just win rounds—he ends fights.”

The key to Mix’s success has been his aggressive grappling style, particularly his back control and rear-naked choke setups. But fans shouldn’t overlook his striking: he’s shown steady improvement on the feet and now presents a well-rounded threat to anyone in the top 10.

Patchy Mix not nervous for fiancee Tatiana Suarez's UFC 312 title shot: 'I'm worried for her opponent' - Yahoo Sports

How Will Patchy Fit in the UFC Bantamweight Rankings?

The UFC’s bantamweight division is arguably its most stacked, with names like Sean O’Malley, Merab Dvalishvili, Cory Sandhagen, and Petr Yan crowding the top 5. So where does Patchy Mix fit in?

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Many fans believe he deserves a top-10 opponent right out of the gate, possibly even a showdown with someone like Rob Font or Song Yadong. Others argue he should prove himself with a ranked-but-not-elite matchup first.

Regardless, there’s no doubt: the MMA world will be watching his UFC debut closely—and expectations are sky high.

Final Word: Future Champ or Overhyped?

Patchy Mix is stepping into the UFC spotlight with more hype than most, and Michael Bisping’s endorsement only adds to the pressure. Can he hang with the elite of the UFC’s deepest division? Or will the Octagon prove too unforgiving?