When the Bellator Bantamweight Grand Prix resumes Friday night at Bellator 289, Magomed Magomedov will look to advance to the finals, paired with Patrick “Patchy” Mix in one of two semifinal bouts.
Magomedov (19-2) was a keen observer of Mix’s quarterfinal fight, which came against former champion Kyoji Horiguchi.
“It was a very intense and close match. A very close fight. 3-2, according to the rounds, Paci won this one,” Magomedov told media, including Cageside Press, during the Bellator 289 media day this week. “He was just the better guy tonight.”
The Russian standout expects something similar from Mix this weekend. But whatever Pachi throws at him, Magomedov expects to be ready for it.
“I know I will be facing the best Paci of his career. I am sure that he will be in his best form and will be very motivated for this fight with me,” said Magomedov. “But I have answers and I have tools for all his attacks. Whatever he brings to the table, we can eat it.
With the potential to advance to the finals this Friday – which would mean both a title fight and a shot at a million dollars – you can expect a little extra nerves from the Grand Prix semifinalists. For Magomedov, however, he believes there is nothing he hasn’t seen in his long career in combat sports.
“I’ve been in this sport for a long time. I don’t think there’s anything I haven’t seen. My experience is vast, I have faced really tough challenges during my career,” he said. “Yeah, there’s always a bit of jitters before you get into the cage, but once you’re in the cage, it all goes away and you feel comfortable here.”
Magomed Magomedov meets Pachy Mix in the Grand Prix Bantamweight semifinals at Bellator 289 this Friday, December 9, 2022 in Uncasville, Connecticut.