Mike Perry is back with the UFC according to his agent Malki Kawa. Perry spent the past 5 years headlining numerous independent circuit shows including Bareknuckle Fighting and with Most Valuable Promotions in May.
Perry signed a five fight deal with the organization after leaving the UFC in April 2021. Since leaving the promotion, he’s had no problem fighting lucrative combat opportunities. Perry fought Nick Diaz last May as part of MVP’s first MMA event in Los Angeles. Perry made $400K in the fight. He’s fought in selective boxing events as well as Bareknuckle Fighting. It was reported that his last contract was over $8 million.
So why did Perry return to the UFC if he’s had a great career outside of it.
Good question.
It would appear that Perry is done with BKFC and he’s likely priced himself out of the novelty combat sports market. He lost a catchweight MMA fight to Brandon Jenkins at the infamous Duel Arena 1 event this past August which was the last time he has been active.
At 35, Perry still has some time left in combat sports but you have to wonder at what quality. His physical body is much older than 35 from all of the fights (in and out of the ring) he’s been in. I am not sure if Perry can make a run at any title but he could be a good, action fighter that would be a gatekeeper for young generation.
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