Mike Perry will take his talents, and his complicated past, to Bare Knuckle FC, following a path many other UFC fighters have taken, including Paige VanZant.
Perry was struggling in his recent UFC bouts, but will now turn the page in his fighting career as he approaches a new endeavor that he believes will suit his fighting style well.
“The money helped make the decision, the numbers definitely helped make that decision,” Perry said on the latest episode of The Fight Fan. “Because I am game when it comes to a street fight. It can go anywhere. You’ve never really seen guys on top of me…there’s never been anyone to get me on the ground and control me, but no matter what, knowing about the takedowns and the kicks, and I’m just trying to punch. I just love boxing. That’s my go-to, that’s my choice. I like to punch.
“I figured let’s take all that out. Me and this guy are gonna go…hand to hand. Let’s see what that’s all about.”
Perry will also be trying to start anew outside of the sport. The 30-year-old was arrested for assault after punching an older man at a Texas bar last year. Perry also shouted racial slurs in the incident, which was caught on video. He was also accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife Danielle Nickerson, but never faced charges.
Despite that past, Perry says he is in a good place heading into the next phase of his career.
“Yes, very much so. I am in a very healthy place,” Perry said.
“No one’s perfect, and you’re gonna have problems. My life is based on two parts: fighting and loving…the fighting works much better when the life-loving is going tip-top. So yes, my life is going good right now. It can always be better. There is always room for improvement. But no matter what anyone says, I know I am doing my absolute best to provide and make sure everyone is taken care of at home.”
Listen to the full episode of The Fight Fan, including a preview of UFC 267, below:
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