Patch Mix I hope to make another dream come true.
The bantamweight division is arguably the highest level of mixed martial arts (MMA) in any promotion. At the top of the champion list is Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titleholder Sean O'MalleyBut competing for the No. 1 world ranking spot is Bellator kingpin Mix of the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Mix, 30, like O'Malley, is set to become champion in 2023. Both fighters are young and approaching the peak of their athleticism and both admit they respect the legendary former UFC featherweight champion. Jose AldoThe Brazilian icon, who currently competes at bantamweight, recently returned and is considering his options as a free agent, and Mix is hoping he can be the man to attract “Scarface” in his next title defense.
“Jose Aldo is a free agent,” Mix told MMA Fighting. “I heard he recently finished his contract with UFC, so if he signs with anyone, I'd be happy if PFL or Bellator gets him. He recently [135 pounds] in Jonathan Martinez And I think I'm a completely different person than that kid.
“With all due respect to the legends, I think I'm on par with him,” he continued. “I don't think he's ever been submitted, except maybe in the first fight, and that's what gets me excited.”
Aldo ended his brief mixed martial arts retirement with a unanimous decision defeat to Martinez at UFC 301 in May 2024. Since his win, the 37-year-old has said he still has championship ambitions, though it has yet to be revealed if that will be in another sport or a mixed martial arts promotion.
Ultimately, Mix believes legends deserve big fights.
“It makes me salivate when I think about it,” Mix said. “That guy needs a big fight. There are other fights, but he's [135] And outside of his organization, I'm the top bantamweight in the world. Outside of his organization and within his organization, I believe that, but I know it for a fact outside of it. I'm the most highly regarded guy. So, if he sticks with MMA and goes somewhere, I'd love to be the guy to have him on the show. It would be a great fit. He's a legend and I respect him.
“This guy paved the way,” he concluded. “I remember watching him compete in some of the craziest matches when I was in high school.”
Mix's first title defense was Magomed Magomedov The bout will take place at Bellator Paris in May 2024. Following a second-round guillotine choke victory in their first bout in December 2022, Mix fought a more competitive fight against the Russian, winning via split decision.
A consummate finisher at 135 pounds, the champion knows he can provide the type of test Aldo is looking for.
“I'm sure he's up for a big challenge,” Mix said. “He just fought Martinez, who was on a seven-fight win streak. He dominated Martinez and did a really good job. He got a great takedown in the third round and landed a double leg. It was a sign of growth and it was kind of reminiscent of the old Jose Aldo in Rio. It was cool to watch.”
“I want to beat him,” he continued. “I'm very upset that it went to a decision. I shouldn't have let go of the guillotine in the third round, I shouldn't have choked him out and knocked him unconscious. I regret that.”
