A message from PFL co-founder Donn Davis to Patchy Mix regarding his upcoming fight at UFC 316 drew strong negative reactions from fans.
The UFC`s bantamweight division gains strength with the arrival of former Bellator champion Patchy Mix. Following his departure from the PFL earlier this year after a period of disagreement, Mix is set to make his promotional debut on short notice at UFC 316 in Newark.
Mix`s first opponent will be Mario Bautista, a teammate of Sean O’Malley and a fighter ranked in the top 15 of the bantamweight division. A victory in this main card bout could quickly position Mix among the contenders for the title.
Mix joins several other fighters who have recently left the PFL for the UFC, often following reported tensions with the PFL management. Despite the circumstances of Mix`s departure, a PFL executive still publicly commented on his upcoming fight.
PFL Fans Criticize Donn Davis`s Message
Recently on X, PFL co-founder Donn Davis posted a message wishing luck to both Mix and Kayla Harrison.
Davis posted: “I always say there are numerous GREAT MMA fighters OUTSIDE [UFC]. Good luck to former [PFL] stars [Kayla Harrison and Patchy Mix] June 7th.”
Despite what seemed like a polite message, fans reacted negatively, particularly given the circumstances of Mix`s departure from the PFL.
One fan responded, saying, “You’re letting them all walk back to the UFC. Insane work.”
Another commented, “This isn’t the flex you think it is.”
A third speculated, “Dakota gonna be on a UFC card in a year or 2.”
“And they want nothing to do with you,” read another comment.
One commenter accused, “You guys screwed over Patchy Mix get outta here.”
“Donn I know you don’t usually watch MMA but this is actually a UFC card,” another jabbed.
“They left because you can’t give them any rights,” someone claimed.
“You might be the dumbest man in combat sports,” a harsh reaction stated.
“Thank you for letting him go your organization is straight dog s—,” another user posted.
A more detailed comment questioned the PFL`s strategy: “Respect for letting him go. Why did PFL buy Bellator tho? The org could have just let it collapse and made deals with select fighters. I’m guessing it was a Turki idea idealizing it as if it were strikeforce. Genuine question tho…it doesn’t feel like it made any financial sense.”
Patchy Mix is among several prominent fighters, including Patricio `Pitbull` Freire and Aaron Pico, who have recently left the PFL to compete in the UFC. Pico is anticipated to debut in the UFC later this year, while Pitbull recently faced Yair Rodriguez at UFC 314.
Mix Discusses Potential Title Path and Conversation with Merab Dvalishvili
As Mix prepares for his first UFC fight, a potential future matchup against UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili appears possible. Mix has indicated that Dvalishvili is open to him joining the title conversation.
Mix mentioned having a brief discussion with Dvalishvili during training while Mix was involved in his PFL contract issues, suggesting the two fighters might eventually compete. Notably, Dvalishvili is scheduled to defend his bantamweight belt against Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 316.
A decisive victory for Mix could significantly boost his argument for a title opportunity. Since Dvalishvili has already defeated many top contenders in the division, Mix represents a relatively fresh challenge for the champion.
