.png)
The landscape of Bellator MMA has shifted significantly since the Professional Fighters League (PFL) acquired the promotion in 2023. While fans anticipated exciting developments, two of Bellator’s standout champions, Patchy Mix and Corey Anderson, are voicing mounting frustrations over prolonged inactivity and uncertainty regarding their next fights.
For Patchy Mix, the reigning bantamweight champion, the past months have been a whirlwind of dashed hopes. Scheduled to defend his title against Leandro Higo at a Bellator card in Paris this November, Mix was blindsided when the entire event was abruptly canceled in October. His frustrations deepened when he learned he would not be part of the upcoming January card in Dubai, which features lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending against Paul Hughes.
“I’ve been training my ass off for the last half of a year for nothing,” Mix vented on Twitter. “This is frustrating in the prime of my career. I’m the best in the world, and I want to fight to prove it.”
Mix’s last fight, a narrow split-decision victory over Magomed Magomedov in May, now feels like a distant memory as his second title defense remains in limbo.
Light heavyweight champion Corey Anderson is facing similar woes. Having captured the vacant title in March with a decisive win over Karl Moore, Anderson has yet to step back into the cage. Speculation swirled about a potential bout in London this past September, but no fight materialized.
“Aging like warm cheese over here waiting for PFL to give me a call,” Anderson wrote, blending humor with exasperation. “But don’t get it twisted … we still ready to defend the strap against anybody! Young or old!”
The PFL’s takeover promised new opportunities, but for Mix and Anderson, it has been a period of extended inactivity. After canceling the Bellator Paris card, the PFL assured fighters they would be rescheduled, yet both champions are left waiting with no clear timeline.
As Mix put it, the delays couldn’t come at a worse time: “This is the prime of my career.” Anderson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing his readiness to take on challengers despite the prolonged uncertainty.
Fans are left wondering when Bellator’s champions will return and whether the PFL can resolve the scheduling delays. One thing is clear—both Mix and Anderson are eager to remind the world why they hold their titles.
Comments