PFL – Bellator Championship Series: Accor Arena; Paris, France
In a way it was deja vu for the 30-year old Patrick Mix. Although this time… what a trip for the young man from Upstate New York. In the main-event he once again defeats Magomed Magomedov. This time via split decision (48-47 2x, 49-46), after submitting him back during the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix in 2022.
First he proposed to his girlfriend, UFC strawweight Tatiana Suarez, and then today he extended his win streak to seven in his first title defense. However, the scorecards did leave many with a raised eyebrow wondering what the judges were watching. Including Magomedov, and his team.
Mix started off strong though, hand fighting and keeping the Dagestani on his back foot and switching stances. He stalked Magomedov, walking through anything that was landing. Not respecting the power coming at him Mix himself wasn’t doing anything spectacular. But then Magomedov landed a series of stinging left hands and started to mix up his attack.
Sensing he needed to put his foot on the gas Mix jumped guillotine in rounds two-and-three but Magomedov was able to pop out. The Dagestani started to let his hands fly, while Mix would respond with single strikes. Magomedov’s takedown defense was on point, as he stuffed every attempt. By the end of the fight, Magomedov outlanded Mix, and outworked Mix. The only thing he didn’t do was have at least two-judges side with him.
What A Trip For The Champion
Post-fight he did tell Chael Sonnen he expected him to wrestle, which he didn’t do. One can say that’s a good thing, because on the mat for as good as Magomedov is, Mix is better there. But Mix showed he could take a decent shot this time out. Although there are a fair number of fighters at 135 that hit a lot harder, and have better hand speed.
Mix has had an online beef with Sean OMalley, believing he is the better fighter. Belief in oneself is important in life. No doubt. But so is looking at things honestly. The UFC champion, would easily pick apart Mix.
But he did manage to sort of call out Leandro Higo. And that is one of those other fighters. Higo has been a bit inconsistent in his career. But when he has focused on the task at hand, he’s the better fighter. For Bellator, his ground game is one of the best. While he doesn’t have the pop in his gloves that Mix has, his footwork is better. Which is always key. Guess we will have to see how the PFL calls the shots for him.
So coming home with a wife-to-be and a belt. What a trip!!!
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