Mike Perry hasn't stepped into an MMA cage in years, but don't let the hiatus fool you—his striking has never looked more dangerous. After parting ways with the UFC in 2021, Perry found a brutal new home in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he went on an undefeated tear and even captured the promotion's infamous "King of Violence" title.
Now, he's making a thunderous return to mixed martial arts against none other than the legendary fan favorite, Nate Diaz. The two are set to clash on the star-studded Rousey vs. Carano card on May 16th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, in a fight that will stream globally on Netflix.
Perry is promising the kind of brutal spectacle that fans crave. "I'm looking to go in and give the people the bloody people's fight, people's main event show that they're looking for, the real BMF-style altercation," Perry told TMZ Sports. "Meet Nate in the middle and spread some blood."
Finishing the notoriously durable Diaz is a rare feat in combat sports, with only two stoppages on his record—one being a doctor's intervention. Yet, Perry is brimming with confidence that he has the tools to do it. "Yeah, I think so," Perry stated. "Nate is very durable, very tough... but I think I have the skills and abilities. The way training is going, I think I will be very sharp, very dangerous, very on point."
He envisions a full-scale war, utilizing the entire MMA arsenal. "Me and Nate are going to throw hands in the middle. I'm going to watch for submissions, try to throw some elbows, land some knees and kicks, and throw big punches."
Beyond the violence, Perry recognizes the monumental platform. This Netflix event is poised to be one of the most-watched MMA showcases ever. "It’s a great opportunity for me and my career," Perry said, ready to capitalize on the global spotlight with a performance as unforgettable as his fighting spirit.
