In the second edition of the Bellator Champions Series, incumbent bantamweight champion Patchy Mix defended his belt in a rematch against top contender Magomed Magomedov. Though the focus of the event was on French superstar Cedric Doumbe, Mix entered the night with a lot of hype, with many labeling him as the best bantamweight in the world.
With the outcome of their first meeting in mind, many expected Mix to dominate Magomedov. Since losing to Juan Archuleta in 2020, the 30-year-old had won six straight entering his first title defense, culminated by a submission of Sergio Pettis at Bellator 301 to win the undisputed belt.
The result, however, was highly disputed, with many believing the Russian did enough to avenge his previous loss in 2022. Mix retained his title by split decision, causing a wide variety of opinions to be shared on social media.
Bellator Champions Series 2: Scoring Patchy Mix vs. Magomed Magomedov Round by Round
As they say, hindsight is always 20/20 but the benefit of replay allows us to look back on the fight just hours after its conclusion. Watching a fight back the second time is also often different than the first view but in this case, it is the best way to determine whether or not the wrong man left the cage with the belt on May 17.
To properly analyze the rematch between Patchy Mix and Magomed Magomedov, let’s take a closer look at each round individually and how it should have contributed to the final score.
Round one
As expected, Mix opened the fight utilizing his length and reach advantage. The champion clearly expected Magomedov to shoot a takedown on him, but the round practically took place solely on the feet. Mix was cruising throughout, until with roughly 1:30 left, Magomedov landed a fight-changing straight left hand. The volume was on the side of Mix but the damage was clearly done by the challenger in the opening frame.
Score: 10-9 Magomedov
Round two
Early in the round, Mix attacked a standing guillotine that looked like it had the potential to finish, but the sweat and momentum allowed Magomedov to escape. There was minor control time for Magomedov in the following minute but nothing substantial enough to be worth considering.
Once the fighters returned upright, the striking exchanges were identical to those of round one without a big shot from Magomedov. Mix almost entirely used just a jab and leg kicks but executed them well, winning him the round.
Score: 10-9 Mix
Round three
At almost the same point in the previous round, Magomedov shot for a takedown and got caught in another guillotine attempt from Mix. This one looked tighter, and at times, it appeared as if Mix could progress to a mounted guillotine, but there was just enough air space for the Dagestani to escape once more.
Yet again, Mix scrambled back to his feet once Magomedov got out of the choke, but the submission attempt clearly took a toll on his arms. Behind labored strikes from Mix, Magomedov had his biggest moment of the fight, landing a big overhand that nearly put the champion out. Magomedov pressured forward and, at times, looked as if he was about to put Mix down but threw himself into an ill-advised clinch against the fence, allowing the American to recover.
This round was close, as it essentially came down to the submission attempt from Mix and the big shots from Magomedov. But putting those two big moments aside, Magomedov won the moments in between and should have taken the round.
Score: 10-9 Magomedov
Round four
With almost no grappling in the entire round, Mix was the fighter pressing forward but struggled to land. He constantly threw his jab out but at this point in the fight, Magomedov seemed to have his timing down. The forward pressure was there for Mix but the leg kicks had become a near non-factor and Magomedov was having all the success in landing more volume.
In a round without any big moments, Magomedov threw and landed more strikes while defending the lone takedown attempt from Mix.
Score: 10-9 Magomedov
Round five
An early groin shot in the round temporarily halted the momentum of Magomedov but soon after, the challenger was back to work. Mix clearly wanted to establish his wrestling in the final frame but was unable to do so with Magomedov perfectly defending each attempt.
The story of the final frame was again Magomedov being quicker to the punch and landing more volume before Mix could process the exchange. Mix still was the fighter moving forward and forcing Magomedov against the fence but again landed very few strikes with no damage truly being done.
Score: 10-9 Magomedov
FINAL SCORE: 49-46 Magomedov
Final assessment
In a very close fight, each fighter certainly had his moments. Both displayed championship effort, and Magomedov soundly proved that he was a much improved martial artist from the first meeting. Rematches are always more difficult for the champion, and though he struggled at times, Mix still ended the day as the official winner.
On rewatch, the damage and volume striking of Magomedov certainly appeared enough to warrant a new champion. The activity and movement of Magomedov visibly confused Mix and prevented him from kicking his game into high gear. However, rounds two, four and five were all highly competitive with an argument to be made each way.
The Bellator bantamweight division is not particularly deep with young talent but Mix will move on, likely to Leandro Higo. Nobody should expect it but do not be surprised with a potential trilogy.
About the Author
Jaren Kawada is a freelance sports writer from Indianapolis, Indiana with a strong passion for MMA and sports betting. Kawada has also written for Sportskeeda MMA, FanSided MMA, and BetSided as a combat sports analyst.
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