Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman suggests that Patchy Mix`s disappointing performance in his highly anticipated UFC debut was influenced by his weight cut challenges leading up to UFC 316.
Mix, a former Bellator champion and one of the UFC`s notable recent acquisitions, didn`t meet expectations in his first Octagon appearance at UFC 316.
UFC bantamweight contender Mario Bautista defeated Mix, ending his seven-fight winning streak and establishing himself as a potential title contender. Mix`s performance was unexpected, as he primarily relied on striking instead of utilizing his strong grappling against Bautista.
Mix`s goal for a swift climb in the UFC rankings was hindered by this loss. According to a former UFC champion, the problems for his debut likely started during Friday`s official weigh-in.
Kamaru Usman Cites Weight Cut as Key Factor in Mix`s Performance
On a recent episode of the `Pound 4 Pound` podcast, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman discussed what he thought contributed to Mix`s struggles at UFC 316.
Usman specifically pointed to the weight cut as the issue. “Honestly, I think Patchy Mix cuts too much weight,” he stated. “He looked like his body was not responding, that’s not the Patchy Mix that we’re used to seeing. Everything was flat… Patchy Mix has all the skills… But I think we need to think about that weight cut, because it looked bad and I think it was that weight cut.”
Notably, Mix had not missed weight since Bellator 270. He is a proven competitor, having previously won the Bellator Bantamweight World Grand Prix.
Despite the setback at UFC 316, Mix seems to be in good spirits and preparing for his next fight. He recently responded forcefully to online criticism following his debut loss.
Kamaru Usman Prepares for Welterweight Return at UFC Atlanta
Following UFC 316, Kamaru Usman is focused on his own career as he prepares for his return to the welterweight division this Saturday at UFC Atlanta. He is set to headline the card against Joaquin Buckley.
This marks Usman`s first welterweight fight since his consecutive losses to Leon Edwards. His most recent bout was a middleweight debut loss against Khamzat Chimaev.
He faces a significant challenge in Joaquin Buckley, who has been highly successful since moving to welterweight, securing wins over notable opponents like Colby Covington, Stephen Thompson, and Vicente Luque.
Jack Thornley