Patchy Mix is officially off the market. The former Bellator bantamweight champion has finally made his long-anticipated move to the UFC.  The announcement was made during UFC Vegas 106. Now part of Dana White’s roster, ‘No Love’ spoke to the media following his signing and also shared his excitement about his upcoming debut against Mario Bautista at UFC 316. However, Mix didn’t stop there—he also hinted at bigger ambitions, including a potential clash with current bantamweight king, Merab Dvalishvili. For those unfamiliar, Patchy Mix and Merab Dvalishvili share a history beyond the cage.

Though Dvalishvili is primarily based out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, the two have spent time training together at Xtreme Couture. The pair often teamed up alongside Aljamain Sterling to sharpen their skills for past fights. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and years of collaboration. So when a reporter brought up the possibility of facing a teammate in the Octagon, Mix revealed that he’d already had that conversation with Dvalishvili. His message was clear: if the title’s on the line, it’s strictly business—nothing personal. During the UFC Vegas 106 post-fight presser, the 31-year-old didn’t quite mince his words. 

He said, ‘You know, I told him as a man that I could potentially be coming over here and that if we did fight, I would hope it would be for the title down the line, and it’s just business. His dreams are the same dreams as I have.” With a stellar 20-1 record, ‘No Love’ was easily one of the most talked-about names outside the UFC—until now. Like every fighter making the leap to the biggest stage in MMA, Patchy Mix arrives with a clear mission: to become champion and secure a better future for his family. That drive fuels everything he does, and it’s why, if the opportunity to fight Merab Dvalishvili for the title comes his way, he won’t hesitate. 

So does the former Bellator champion have what it takes to become a champion in the UFC? Well, Henry Cejudo and Jake Shields definitely think he can. During their conversation on the Fight Back Podcast, Cejudo said, “Yeah, no, a real recognizes real deal. Patchy could become champ, dude. I feel like if Patchy were to fight Merab.” Shields also added to the statement and further added, ” It’s a tough match up for Merab because his guillotines, his Jiu Jitsu so f…g good.” Merab Dvalishvili has yet to publicly comment on Patchy Mix joining the UFC. However, his close friend and longtime neighbor, Aljamain Sterling, didn’t stay silent for long. Taking to social media, the former champ shared his thoughts on the arrival of the ex-Bellator standout.

Aljamain Sterling is looking forward to the arrival of Patchy Mix in the UFC

Aljamain Sterling was locked in as Patchy Mix spoke to the media. He was listening as to what the former Bellator champ had to say  about his bond with Merab Dvalishvili. Watching the interview, the ‘Funk Master’ appeared genuinely intrigued by how things might unfold between the two longtime training partners. In a tweet that touched on the theme of loyalty, Sterling acknowledged the complexity of the situation while making it clear that he respects Mix’s ambition, just like any fighter chasing greatness in the Octagon. The former champion is aware of the threats that Mix brings to the Octagon. 

He tweeted, “With this Patchy Mix interview, it’ll be interesting to see how things go from here. Merab and I have both trained with him a bunch. All interesting to see how things change. Obviously, Mix has goals. That’s not overlooked.” The former Bellator champion is all set to dominate the bantamweight division. Mix hasn’t just been racking up wins—he’s been steamrolling the competition. And he’s done it all quietly, flying under the radar while the UFC spotlight focused elsewhere. But now, the cage door has opened, and the timing feels perfect. However, he will now have to compete against some of the best fighters in the world under the banner of UFC. 

Can he carry the same form when he makes his debut at UFC 316? Or will he succumb to the pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.