The crowd in Tokyo saw a surprising result when young fighter Kyoma Akimoto stopped experienced opponent Patchy Mix at RIZIN 52.
Akimoto, only 19 years old, secured a knockout victory with soccer kicks early in the second round. The defeat marked the first knockout loss of Mix’s professional career.
For Mix, the bout was meant to be a chance to regain momentum after recent setbacks. Instead the result added another loss to a difficult stretch.
Fight turns in the final minute of round one
The match began with Mix entering as the more experienced competitor. The 32 year old fighter previously held a championship title in Bellator MMA and had competed against high level opponents throughout his career.
Late in the opening round, however, Akimoto changed the direction of the fight. He connected with strikes that knocked Mix to the canvas twice. Once on the ground, Mix had to defend against a series of attacks that included knees and soccer kicks.
The bell ended the round and allowed Mix time to recover, but the momentum had already shifted toward the younger fighter.
Quick stoppage in the second round
The next round began with Akimoto continuing his pressure. Roughly half a minute after the round started he landed another strike that sent Mix to the canvas again.
With Mix grounded, Akimoto followed with two soccer kicks. The referee quickly stepped in and stopped the fight.
The stoppage gave Akimoto one of the biggest victories of his young career.
Patchy Mix going through a tough period
For Patchy Mix the loss extends a difficult chapter.
In 2025 he left the Professional Fighters League before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
His UFC debut came on short notice against Mario Bautista at UFC 316, where Bautista earned a clear decision victory.
Later that year Mix returned to the cage against Jakub Wiklacz at UFC 320 but again lost on the judges’ scorecards. After those defeats he was released from the promotion.
His appearance at RIZIN 52 represented another opportunity to restart his career.
KYOMA AKIMOTO NEARLY STOPS PATCHY MIX AT THE END OF ROUND 1!!!
[ #RIZIN52 | Watch on #RIZINtv ] pic.twitter.com/KI1S0dDxgs
— RIZIN.tv (@RIZINTV_) March 7, 2026
Kyoma Akimoto #RIZIN52 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/sDgH87nseJ
— ₿lack ₿unny (@Blckbny) March 7, 2026
For Akimoto the victory further strengthens his growing reputation.
The win pushed his professional record to 12 victories and only one defeat. It also extended his current winning streak to five fights.
Even more notable is how those wins have happened. Four of those victories ended by stoppage and each finish came within the first two rounds.
The performance in Tokyo showed that the young fighter could handle a well known opponent and deliver a decisive result.
The outcome of the fight highlights two different career paths.
Akimoto is gaining attention as one of the promising young fighters in the sport. His speed and aggressive style continue to produce quick finishes.
Mix, meanwhile, now faces the challenge of rebuilding after three consecutive losses. Despite his past achievements, the recent results show how quickly things can change in mixed martial arts.
The bout at RIZIN 52 will likely remain one of the most talked about moments of the event because of the dramatic knockout delivered by the teenage fighter.
