Patchy Mix Set to Return at Rizin 54

Patchy Mix's next Rizin fight was announced at a press conference yesterday in Japan. Mix, who was cut from UFC last year after suffering two back-to-back losses, will take on Japanese MMA veteran Shoko Sato. Mix will also be returning to bantamweight for this fight. Mix's fight was announced alongside a number of other fights for Rizin 54. The promotion is stacking the card for their first time at the Toyota Arena in Tokyo.

Patchy Mix vs. Shoko Sato

Mix was the last Bellator bantamweight champion before the company folded into the PFL. While coming up on the regional circuits, Mix was touted as one of the hottest prospects.

Known for his exceptional and exciting grappling skills, he has beaten the likes of Sergio Pettis, Magomed Magomedov, and Kyoji Horiguchi. When Mix signed with the UFC, he came in with a lot of fanfare and hype. His two-fight tenure didn't turn out well. He lost decisions to Mario Bautista and Jakub Wikłacz.

After being released from UFC, he signed with Rizin and made his debut for the promotion this year, where he lost by TKO for the first time against Kyoma Akimoto.

Sizing up Shoko Sato

Shoko Sato is a longtime veteran who debuted as a pro in 2008 and became the Shooto champion. His tenure in Rizin has seen him get wins over Shinobu Ota, Juntaro Ushiku, and John Sweeney.

Other Announcements

Other fights announced at the press conference include Joji Goto vs Azizbek Temirov, Jo Hiramoto vs Jolly, Naoki vs Issa Hosokawa, Arata Mizuno vs Kaiwen Li, and Yuki Ito vs Alibek Gadzhammatov. Previously announced fights include Kleber Koike vs Kyoma Akimoto and Kate Lotus vs Noel. 

The full press conference can be watched here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEzkA1KVA5s&pp=ygUFcml6aW4%3D

The show will be available on rizin.tv.

Full Card

Klebr Koike vs Kyoma Akimoto
Patchy Mix vs Shoko Sato
Kate Lotus vs Noel
Yuki Ito vs Alibek Gadzhammatov
Arata Mizuno vs Kaiwen Li
Naoki vs Issa Hosokawa
Jo Hiramoto vs Jolly
Joji Goto vs Azizbek Temirov