Patchy Mix, the former Bellator bantamweight champion, has revealed he had a conversation with Merab Dvalishvili before finalizing his move to the UFC.
After being recently released from his PFL contract, the highly sought-after free agent in MMA was quickly confirmed to have joined the UFC ranks.
Patchy Mix is scheduled to make his promotional debut at UFC 316, stepping in on short notice to replace the injured Marlon `Chito` Vera against Mario Bautista.
Details of the Conversation with Merab Dvalishvili
Mix is a long-time training partner of Merab Dvalishvili, who is also competing on the UFC 316 card, challenging for the bantamweight title in the main event.
Dvalishvili, ranked #1, will challenge the reigning UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley.
Victories for both Mix and Dvalishvili at UFC 316 could potentially set them on a collision course for the bantamweight title down the line.
Mix addressed the potential matchup, stating it`s “Just business” when asked about it.
He detailed the conversation he had with Dvalishvili:
“A couple of months ago, I saw him at the gym and spoke to him. I told him, `I don`t know what`s happening with my PFL contract, and I want to be upfront with you and let you know I might potentially move over [to the UFC].`”
“Having been a three-time champion and having dominated everyone I`ve faced in recent years, I knew I would likely be pushed towards the top of this division.”
“I told him directly that I might be coming here, and if we were to fight eventually, I hoped it would be for a title.”
“I`m doing this for my family, and securing that title is part of setting them up for life.”
“So, it doesn`t matter who is standing in my way. It truly doesn`t matter.”
Watch a segment of the interview where Patchy Mix discusses his move to the UFC and the conversation with Dvalishvili:
Aljamain Sterling Reacts to Patchy Mix Joining the UFC
Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Aljamain Sterling, a close friend and training partner of Merab Dvalishvili, also commented on the news.
Sterling and Dvalishvili famously refused to fight each other during their time together at the top of the 135-pound division.
Now competing in the featherweight division, Sterling expressed interest in seeing how the dynamic between Mix and Dvalishvili unfolds.
Reacting on social media, Sterling tweeted:
“With this Patchy Mix interview, it’ll be interesting to see how things go from here.”
“Merab and I have both trained with him a bunch. It`s interesting to see how things change.”
“Obviously, Mix has his goals. That`s not overlooked.”
Jack Thornley