Earlier this morning, the Bellator Champions Series announced they would be returning to Paris in November. In a press release, The PFL announced that on November 16th, Bellator champion Patchy Mix (20-1) would be returning to defend bantamweight title against Leandro Higo (23-6).
Starting with the challenger, he’s earned this title shot off the heels of back-to-back victories. Most recently, he defeated James Gallagher back in March by decision. That win over Gallagher made Higo 5-1 in his last six fights. The lone loss came against Danny Sabatello where he lost by decision. Now, he gets his shot at the Bellator world title.
Bellator Champions Series Paris
To become champion in November, Higo is going to have to defeat arguably the best that the promotion has to offer in Patchy Mix. Now, Mix has to make a statement with his next performance. Before his latest title defense, he was boldly claiming that he was the best bantamweight in the world. A claim that many in the media seemed to agree with.
However, he had a rough time in his latest title defense. Back in March, the Bellator champion took on Magomed Magomedov and the fight went the distance. Mix was hurt multiple times on the feet and by the end of the fight, I thought it was relatively clear that Magomedov had won the fight.
However, two of the three judges gave the win to Mix and he retained the Bellator bantamweight title. While he walked out with the belt, his stock took a big hit. While I believe he’s certainly one of the best bantamweights in the world, I don’t think he’s at the very top of the mountain. He needs a big time performance to settle the doubters and get himself back in the conversation.