BKFC star ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry never entertained the idea of going back to the UFC once his contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship expired.
After amassing an undefeated record inside the squared circle against the likes of Julian Lane, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, and Luke Rockhold, the BKFC’s desire to re-sign Mike Perry was to be expected. Last month, the promotion did just that, cutting ‘Platinum’ a brand new multi-fight deal that will make him a very wealthy fighter.
Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Perry was asked whether or not he entertained the idea of going back to the UFC after his initial contract with the BKFC expired. After a brief moment of hesitation, ‘Platinum’ said no, suggesting that the pay cut he would have taken by going back to the Las Vegas-based promotion would be way too severe.
“No, because the pay cut would have been too massive,” Perry revealed. “So, it’s like whatever… And it’s five-minute rounds and it’s MMA. I like boxing. All I ever did in MMA… I know I trained lots of stuff. I would even get kinda good at grappling, wrestling, or whatever. Certain positions and it’s like, I’m fighting in a fight where they’re like, ‘Get a takedown.’ You know I’m thinkin’ about hitting him, right?
“Now, I understand that’s not an excuse and that I should ultimately fight how I want to fight. I’m the fighter. I’m the athlete that’s getting in there so that’s how I train now. I get in the ring and I fight my way now and I practice for it that way. So bare-knuckle was a no-brainer.”
Mike Perry on if he considered signing with the UFC: No because the pay cut would have been too massive.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/iVVwRtFXbg
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) September 6, 2023
BKFC Founder David Feldman Welcomes Mike Perry Back to the Squared Circle
Under the UFC banner, Mike Perry was a middling welterweight known more for his antics outside of the Octagon than his accomplishments in it. With the BKFC, ‘Platinum’ has found his audience and a heap of success that he can’t wait to continue with the fast-rising organization.
“I am absolutely thrilled to make the announcement today of ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry re-signing with BKFC,” said David Feldman, President and Founder of BKFC in a statement. “His presence in our promotion has truly galvanized the company.
“For the last couple of months, I’ve been contacted every day from fans and the media inquiring about when he was fighting next. With this announcement today, we can finalize plans for his highly anticipated return to the squared circle.”
Transcription by MMA Junkie
