PFL releases ex-Bellator champ Mix

Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix agreed to part ways with the PFL on Tuesday, making him one of the top free agents in mixed martial arts.

Mix is officially free to sign with any promotion, as the PFL doesn't have a matching period, sources told Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani.

"Professional Fighters League and Patchy Mix have mutually agreed to not extend his contract," the promotion said in a statement. "We both decided this is the best course of action for PFL and him.

"Patchy is a fantastic fighter and we wish him well. PFL is excited to crown our next 135-pound champion in the PFL World Tournament."

Mix, who holds a 20-1 pro record, is considered one of the best bantamweights outside the UFC. The 31-year-old held the Bellator bantamweight title from November 2023 to earlier this year when the PFL dissolved the Bellator brand.

"I want to thank the PFL," Mix wrote on Instagram. "As we all know, the sport of mixed martial arts needs the PFL to continue giving top fighters opportunities, as it's the only other major company in MMA. I wish the PFL all the success in the world going forward, as well as former competitors and everyone that's helped make these great moments throughout the years."

Mix signed with Bellator in 2019 and was one of many fighters who transitioned to the PFL after the Donn Davis-led promotion purchased Bellator in 2023. However, Mix has competed just once since the acquisition, defeating Magomed Magomedov at a Bellator Champions Series event in May 2024 in Paris.

The Buffalo native went 9-1 under the PFL/Bellator banner, earning wins against the likes of Sergio Pettis, Kyoji Horiguchi, and Raufeon Stots. Mix has been a pro fighter since 2016.