'Patchy' Mix set for second bout since UFC release, vows to show 'true form'

Patrick 'Patchy' Mix is preparing for his second fight since departing the UFC, entering a bantamweight matchup at Rizin 54 on August 11 in Tokyo. The card takes place at Toyota Arena Tokyo and is headlined by a featherweight clash between Kleber Koike Erbst and Kyoma Akimoto.

Mix will face Shoko Sato, a 38-year-old veteran of 58 professional bouts dating back to 2008. Sato is a former ONE Championship and Shooto competitor who has won three of his last four fights, most recently submitting John Sweeney in the first round at Rizin 52.

On social media, Mix expressed his determination to return to bantamweight and prove himself at the highest level. "So much respect for Sato but I'm coming back to bantamweight to prove myself," Mix wrote. "Fully dedicated and with so much vengeance. This story is far from over and this is how I'll earn my shot at the Rizin bantamweight title. Everything is in my hands, I'm ready to show my true form."

Mix's comments suggest he views this bout as a stepping stone toward a title opportunity in Rizin's bantamweight division. The fighter appears intent on demonstrating that his earlier UFC struggles do not define his career trajectory, with a win over Sato potentially positioning him as a serious contender in the Japanese promotion.