Patchy Mix finally gets the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage at UFC 316. Will Mario Bautista spoil his debut?
Mario Bautista and Patchy Mix meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 316 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix UFC 316 preview
Bautista (15-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) has the opportunity to play spoiler in the debut of a big-name bantamweight with championship promise. Entering on a seven-fight winning streak, Bautista is confident that he can extend his victorious run. In 2024, Bautista, 31, picked up the two biggest wins of his career thus far in decision wins over Ricky Simon and UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo. … Mix (20-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) finally gets his chance to prove his skills in the UFC. The former Bellator champion has widely been considered to be one of the best bantamweights on the planet. Frustration with lack of fights led to his exit from the PFL. Mix’s last appearance was a split decision win over Magomed Magomdeov last May to record his second Bellator title defense.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix UFC 316 expert pick, prediction
Serving as a solid bantamweight attraction is a matchup between Bautista and Mix.
Making his long-awaited promotional debut on short notice, this opportunity has been something that Mix has low-key been preparing for for some time now. That said, Bautista is a deceptively tough test that deserves to be acknowledged.
Bautista isn’t exactly Mr. Popular at the moment after banking a controversial decision over fan favorite Jose Aldo at UFC 307 last year, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s an incredibly well-rounded fighter who is on a serious 7-fight win streak.
Mix’s win streak could also be overlooked for similar reasons coming off of his last fight, but that was well over a year ago as I suggest leaving some room to be surprised as far as potential skill jumps go.
It’s hard to say exactly how comfortable Bautista is against UFC-level southpaws given that he has a limited 1-1 sample size, but I do wonder how well his game will function without the outlet of his grappling. And though Bautista is a sound scrambler who gets stronger as the fight goes on, he does tend to surrender a lot of takedowns and positions early that Mix could make hay with.
A submission win from the final Bellator champion shouldn’t shock anyone, but I’ll officially pick Mix to edge out a decision over Bautista in a fight that I see being ultra-competitive down the stretch.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix UFC 316 odds
The oddsmakers and the public favor the final Bellator champion, listing Mix -180 and Bautista +146 via FanDuel.
Mario Bautista vs. Patchy Mix UFC 316 start time, how to watch
Bautista and Mix are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
