Patchy Mix's strive for the Bantamweight title of Merab Dvalishvili starts on UFC 316.
After handling a path of destruction in Bellator MMA before taking over the promotion by the PFL, the Octagon debut from Mix comes on UFC 316.
Mix has long branded the best in the world on 135 pounds, and the 31-year-old now gets the chance to prove so much, starting against Mario Bautista.
The ultimate target of the ex-Bellator Champion is the UFC Bantamweight Belt, currently in the hands of Dvalishvili. And when it comes to the Georgian, Mix is more than known.
Patchy Mix warned Merab Dvalishvili for his approaching UFC arrival
For a number of years, Mix and Dvalishvili have often shared the mats on both Syndicate MMA and 10th planet Jiu Jitsu in Las Vegas.
With that in mind, the couple has long shared a strong relationship and helped in each other's fight preparation.
But their time training came to an end when Mix drew on the dotted line with the UFC, with the couple now competing under the same banner and in the same division.
To ensure that this would not affect their respect for each other, Mix was revealed to ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto the conversation he had with Dvalishvili.
“We have spared hundreds of rounds, we wrapped hundreds of rounds,” said Mix. “When I moved to Vegas for the first time four years ago, we started training together … We are very familiar with each other.
“When I had to stop and knew a bit that I might have been released (by PFL), I told him as a man,” Hey, I could come. ” … I wanted to tell him: 'As a man I might come by, I want to let you know, so maybe we can give up the training.
“I wanted to let him know to give him a heads -up. So it's not like he wakes up one day and he was shocked,” Mix added. “He had a great reaction, super respectful … He respects that this is my goal to be the best in the world.”
Patchy Mix plans to jump the line to the UFC title of Merab Dvalishvili
In anticipation of UFC 316, Mix Bautista described as a “travel man” that he expects to walk on his way to harder competition.
But if the former Bellator star had his way, he would be quickly elevated in the title photo.
During the same interview with ESPN MMA, Mix expressed the clear frustration about the UFC plan to make him beat around three contenders before he has a challenge for the Bantam weight gold.
“The only thing I don't agree with is how many fights (to reach the title),” said Mix. “They are going to try to send me through the glove. How are you going to send a 20-1 fragmentary mix that has better references than all these other world champions through the glove?
“They say like three fights or something. I don't like that, man.” Mix added. “They know who is the most dangerous person, and it's me.”
That said, Mix will want to change the thoughts of the promotion by delivering an emphatic performance at UFC 316.