RIZIN Releases Patchy Mix After 0-2 Run

Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix has been released by RIZIN after dropping both of his appearances for the Japanese promotion, per BJPenn.com.

Mix, who once defended his Bellator title against opponents including Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi, signed with the UFC last year but lasted just two fights. He dropped a split decision to Mario Bautista at UFC 316, then lost to short-notice replacement Jakub Wiklacz at UFC 320 before parting ways with the promotion. RIZIN signed him for a fresh start, but the 33-year-old dropped both outings including a TKO stoppage at RIZIN 52.

Five-Fight Skid Follows Title Reign

According to MMA outlet Dropkick, RIZIN removed Mix from its official roster this week. His contract has been eliminated, though it remains unclear whether he will explore free agency or attempt to re-sign with the promotion on new terms. Mix's last win came at Bellator 301 when he stopped Pettis in what turned out to be his final title defense. Before the current slide, he won 19 of his first 20 professional fights and was considered one of the top fighters outside the UFC.

Mix continues to work as a cornerman and coach at Xtreme Couture, where his students include UFC contender Tatiana Suarez. The five-fight losing streak marks a sharp reversal for a fighter who was thought to be among the best pound-for-pound athletes in the sport less than two years ago.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Patchy Mix released by RIZIN as post-Bellator struggles continue