Patchy Mix endured another defeat last weekend in Las Vegas, marking his second consecutive setback in the UFC.
While it is not uncommon for fighters who achieve significant success in other promotions to struggle replicating it inside the Octagon, Mix`s situation is particularly striking. He faced considerable scrutiny following his debut loss at UFC 316, especially after joining the organization as one of the sport`s most exciting bantamweights, having been a former Bellator star.
Mix was given a chance for redemption with a complete training camp leading up to his return at UFC 320 on October 4. However, after a controversial defeat, it has come to light that his preparations were severely hindered by multiple health challenges.
Patchy Mix Reportedly Battled Severe Weight Cut Issues, Illness, and a Staph Infection Ahead of UFC 320
During his split decision loss to Jakub Wiklacz in the UFC 320 prelims, Patchy Mix also suffered a gruesome eye injury. Despite the bout being extremely close, with many observers believing the American had done enough to secure victory in two of the three rounds, he once again departed the Octagon empty-handed.
Beyond the outcomes, the manner of his performances has led some to suggest that Mix`s UFC career might be short-lived.
TJ Dillashaw, a former UFC bantamweight champion who was in Las Vegas for fight week, recently disclosed on the JAXXON Podcast that Mix was battling several critical issues leading into the fight.
Dillashaw expressed his astonishment at Mix`s condition after a grueling weight cut, and he elaborated on the other health problems Mix was contending with.
“He just did not look good when we were going to ceremonial weigh-ins… He’s like laying on the ground, looking like he’s still cutting weight,” Dillashaw recalled. “Then I go to the bathroom, and he runs up to go to the bathroom, says he’s been throwing up since weigh-ins.”
“He can’t keep anything down. He’s sick. It’s probably a little bit of nerves, too, but he couldn’t hold nothing down. Then he’s talking about how he had staph for the last two weeks, he’s been on antibiotics. So, it didn’t sound like camp went that great. When you’re on antibiotics, your cardio is going to suck, and we saw that in the fight.”
TJ Dillashaw Urges Technical Improvements for Patchy Mix While Acknowledging His Health Struggles
Patchy Mix has seen a significant shift in his career path, transitioning from a highly-touted 20-1 Bellator champion to experiencing back-to-back decision losses within the Octagon in 2025.
Many have noted that his recent performances have left much to be desired, an area TJ Dillashaw believes Mix must address in the future.
However, Dillashaw also conceded that many of these technical shortcomings could be directly attributed to the severe weight cuts and illnesses Mix had been battling.
“On the technical side of things, I’d really like to see Patchy Mix evolve,” Dillashaw stated. “I would need to start seeing him moving his head. He doesn’t have any head motion. He kind of stands in front of you a little bit and just plots forward.”
“His jiu-jitsu is good. I could see some more feints, some more head motion, was a little more snappy on his punches, but unfortunately he was so tired that his punches didn’t have it. The first thing that goes away when you get tired is your feints and your movement.”
