Mike Perry parted ways with the UFC and retired from mixed martial arts in 2021, losing to Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 23. He found a new home and renewed his career in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Undefeated (6-0) as a bare-knuckle boxer, he earned the nickname “The King of Violence”, but it was done with BKFC. He also landed a boxing match against Jake Paul in 2024. Now, Perry is eyeing a full return to MMA.
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MMA returned in May, with former UFC teammates Nate Diaz defeating Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano. Gina Carano’s fight card is a priority promotion. He fought again in August, losing to Brandon Jenkins at Duel Arena 1.
“I may have another great MMA opportunity here soon,” Perry said Show Ariel Helwani confirming that he will not return to BKFC.
“It’s good to get it out. You know, I kind of had some feelings about it. It’s like the BK cheat code, man. It’s like, that bare-knuckle stuff is like a cheat code, I guess. And they’re two-minute rounds. And it’s like, good for me. It was fun. I made some noise. And I’m ready for another challenge. So I’m thinking of announcing the MMA challenge. Perry.
“I think the gloves are for me and I’m going to keep it close to my heart like, oh, I’m a high professional and I’ve got to build something here and it’s very grueling. It’s tough. Five-minute rounds with everything with wrestling and boxing and warming up.”
Perry hasn’t completely shut the door on a bare-knuckle return, but the 35-year-old plans to stay in MMA for at least the next two years.