Patchy Mix experienced a difficult start to his octagon career at UFC 316. In his debut, he absorbed a significant 173 strikes, resulting in cuts and bleeding, ultimately losing by unanimous decision to Mario Bautista.
Following the fight, questions arose about whether Mix struggled under the pressure of the UFC`s bright lights and the potential for “octagon jitters” that can affect new fighters. In a post-fight statement, Mix mentioned taking the fight on just three weeks` notice after signing with the UFC as a free agent following his PFL release, and he promised to return improved.
However, veteran fighter Matt Brown believes the issue wasn`t the spotlight itself, but rather Mix`s realization that success against top fighters in organizations like the PFL or Bellator doesn`t fully prepare one for the level of competition found in the UFC.
Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, Brown strongly stated that the UFC simply has the best fighters globally. He suggested that the struggles of recent champions from other promotions making their UFC debuts highlight the significant disparity in competition levels. Brown acknowledged that media attention and the spotlight might play a role, but he believes the core issue is the vast difference in fighting caliber. He argued that even a fighter ranked 15th in the UFC could potentially be a champion in another organization, underscoring the extreme gap between the UFC and all others. Brown concluded that the UFC controls the sport`s top talent, a pattern he feels is consistently demonstrated.
Mix`s challenging debut mirrors the experience of former Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull, who also struggled in his first UFC outing against Yair Rodriguez just weeks prior.
Brown differentiates Mix and Pitbull`s situation from that of fighters still developing, like Aaron Pico, who he expects to perform differently upon entering the UFC as they are still ascending in their careers.
In contrast, Mix and Pitbull arrived as established champions from Bellator, only to discover that being the top fighter elsewhere doesn`t translate directly to being the top fighter in the UFC.
Brown vividly described the UFC as “a different animal,” populated by “bloodthirsty lions” seeking to dominate. He emphasized the unparalleled intensity and skill level within the promotion.
While promotions like the PFL aim to be seen as significant players, Brown discounts their claims when comparing their top talent to the UFC roster. He effectively views all other fighting organizations as the minor leagues compared to the “major league” standard set by the UFC.
Brown asserted that the UFC holds the definitive collection of top fighters, stating, “The UFC just has the best fighters, bar none.” He believes achievements outside the UFC are largely irrelevant except as a stepping stone to get into the organization. Using a sports analogy, he compared the UFC to the NFL and other promotions to college football, asking if a college champion team could defeat the weakest NFL team to illustrate the difference in caliber. He reiterated that entering the UFC means facing “a different animal” because fighters are unaccustomed to that level of competition.
Moving beyond fight-night nerves or the glare of the spotlight, Brown suggested the most significant adjustments for fighters joining the UFC come from changes outside the cage. He drew on his own experience after competing on The Ultimate Fighter and joining the promotion.
Brown detailed the impact of sudden fame and recognition, humorously describing it as acquiring “20 more cousins” overnight. He explained how simply walking into a public place results in being recognized and treated differently. Brown noted that these external pressures, which can lead to ego issues or require significant self-control, are potentially more influential than standard media obligations, which can also be taxing for those not used to the attention.
In contrast to the external changes, Brown felt the actual experience of fighting inside the cage remained consistent throughout his career, spanning early fights to 15 years in the UFC. Although the stakes are higher in the UFC, he found he always settled into his familiar competitive mindset once the fight began. This leads him to doubt that “octagon jitters” were the sole, or primary, reason for Mix`s recent performance.
Brown explained that not every fighter is equipped to handle the transition, particularly high-level, established competitors like Patchy Mix, who are already respected in their own right. He emphasized again that being looked at and treated differently upon entering the UFC can have a greater impact than minor issues like increased media duties or brighter arena lights. He recalled his own early, unconventional fights—including fighting in parking lots or makeshift cages for prizes like a four-wheeler—to argue that the act of fighting when the bell rings is fundamentally the same. The overwhelming difference, he concludes, lies entirely in the extensive build-up, the external world of fame and pressure, and everything happening outside the octagon, which makes the fighter perceive the fight itself differently.
Marcus Blakely