“He Chose the Circus”: Feldman Reacts to Perry Snub
Mike Perry: The Bare-Knuckle King Taking a Detour Through MMA
Who Is Mike Perry?
Imagine a fighter who became famous in the UFC (the biggest MMA league in the world), but then became a superstar somewhere else. That’s Mike Perry.
- UFC veteran: He fought in the big leagues for years.
- BKFC superstar: He moved to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) — where fighters box without gloves — and became the undisputed face of the sport.
- Fan favorite: Known for his toughness, brawling style, and "never back down" attitude.
Important Point
BKFC = Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
Think of it like old-school boxing: no gloves, just hands, wrapped wrists, and a ring. It’s raw, fast, and brutal.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Mike Perry hasn’t fought in BKFC since October 2025. Instead, he’s taken a detour back into MMA (Mixed Martial Arts — where you can strike, wrestle, and submit).
Here’s the timeline:
- May 2026: Perry returned to MMA and beat Nate Diaz on the first-ever MVP MMA card on Netflix. Huge win. Big stage.
- August 29, 2026: Perry is scheduled to fight Dillon Danis in an MMA bout in Florida.
Important Point
Dillon Danis is a high-level grappler (jiu-jitsu specialist) who’s also known for his trash talk and connections to Conor McGregor. This is a very different test than bare-knuckle boxing.
Will He Ever Go Back to BKFC?
Short answer: Maybe. Long answer: It’s complicated.
BKFC President David Feldman recently spoke to MMA Fighting and here’s what he said:
What Feldman Thinks
- He believes he can make a Mike Perry vs. Darren Till fight in early 2027.
- He’s had conversations with both fighters and thinks it’s doable.
- But nothing is signed — it all depends on what happens next.
Feldman’s Prediction: Perry vs. Danis
“If Dillon Danis and Mike Perry were standing up and fighting, I’d say Perry walks through him very easily. Danis can grapple. That’s his thing. But I just think Mike’s too tough for a guy like him.”
Translation:
- Stand-up striking → Perry wins easy.
- Ground game (grappling) → Danis has the edge.
- Overall → Feldman picks Perry to win the MMA fight.
The Contract Situation
Perry still has fights left on his BKFC contract, but BKFC has allowed him to take outside fights (like Diaz and Danis).
Why?
- It keeps Perry active.
- It builds his name even bigger.
- It might make his eventual BKFC return even more valuable.
Important Point
Fighters often have "exclusive contracts" — meaning they can only fight for one promotion. But sometimes, promotions loan out fighters for big opportunities. That’s what’s happening here.
The Money Talk
Feldman shared a funny (and real) behind-the-scenes detail:
“Mike says ‘let’s talk, we’ve got to talk about the money’… and then he goes and says he’s fought for less money. What are we talking about?”
Feldman thinks Perry took the Diaz fight for pride — it was in his hometown, and he wanted to prove something.
But Feldman also says:
- He wishes Perry the best.
- He hopes the MVP/Netflix promotion succeeds.
- He knows selling tickets is the hardest part of combat sports.
Summary: Where Does This Leave Us?
| Fighter | Current Path | BKFC Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Perry | MMA (just beat Nate Diaz, fighting Dillon Danis Aug 29) | Still under contract, allowed to fight outside |
| Darren Till | Former UFC star, now in BKFC | Waiting for Perry |
| David Feldman (BKFC Boss) | Trying to book Perry vs. Till for early 2027 | Optimistic, but patient |
Bottom line:
Mike Perry is testing himself in MMA again, but BKFC still sees him as their biggest star. If he beats Danis, the Perry vs. Till bare-knuckle showdown could be the biggest fight BKFC has ever made — and it might happen early 2027.
FAQ
What is BKFC?
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship — a professional combat sport where fighters box without gloves. It’s legal, regulated, and growing fast.
Why did Mike Perry leave the UFC?
He wasn’t cut — he chose to leave for BKFC, where he became a main event star and fan favorite with more freedom and bigger paydays.
Who is Dillon Danis?
A jiu-jitsu black belt and MMA fighter known for his grappling skills and trash talk. He’s fought in Bellator and is famous for being Conor McGregor’s training partner.
Can Perry fight in both BKFC and MMA at the same time?
Yes — with permission. BKFC allowed him to take MMA fights (Diaz, Danis) while still under contract. This is rare but happens for big opportunities.
When is the next BKFC fight for Mike Perry?
No official date yet. David Feldman hopes to book Perry vs. Darren Till in early 2027, but it depends on Perry’s MMA run and negotiations.
Final Thought
Mike Perry is one of the few fighters who can sell out arenas in two different sports. Whether he’s bare-knuckle boxing or fighting in an MMA cage, people watch. The next chapter? It’s being written right now — starting August 29.