Mike Perry hasn't competed in MMA since his final UFC fight of 2021, but he was putting on his old gloves again in preparation for his showdown with Dillon Danis.
Prior to his July 20 boxing match with Jake Paul, BKFC's “King of Violence” was in negotiations to face Danis in an MMA fight. Perry explained that he wanted to fight Danis in an MMA match after watching the former Bellator fighter land just 16 punches in a farcical boxing match with Jake Paul's brother, Logan.
“It's funny,” Perry said in an interview with MMA Fighting. “I was still watching the Dillon Danis fight. We all know how he performed in boxing, so that's not going to be a boxing match. I don't want to make excuses. I was supposed to fight him after I beat Jake Paul, but after I beat Jake Paul, I was honestly just able to chill out a little bit and wait for things to work out around me.”
Danis was a high-level practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before branching out into MMA, holding a 2-0 record under the Bellator umbrella before being released from his contract in 2023. He continually hinted at a return to the sport but eventually began pursuing matches in the world of influencer boxing, first seeking a bout with KSI and eventually clashing with Logan Paul.
Despite his social media activity, Danis hasn't fought in MMA since 2019, but the exchange of words with Perry led to discussions about a potential fight in real life. An MMA bout with Danis would require Perry to return to his home turf, but Perry was more than prepared, knowing that engaging in a bare-knuckle brawl at BKFC was not something most fighters would consider.
“I was going to drive my knees into his face and attack with my elbows,” Perry said of Danis. “If he gave his back, I would have gone for the choke. Why not? I've never been submitted before. I love hitting people. I have very high skills in mixed martial arts. These skills might be something I'll carry with me until I die.”
“I recently fought some MMA rounds against Lyoto Machida and other top-level UFC fighters, as well as Jiu-Jitsu black belts, and I still have the strength left. I'm very skilled in any martial art, but boxing is definitely something I like to practice.”
A win against Jake Paul could change everything for Perry, especially if it turns out to be the brutal seventh-round knockout he expects.
Whatever the outcome, Perry remains committed to BKFC, with whom he has signed a new long-term contract in August 2023. Still, he has no plans to shy away from mixed martial arts or boxing if the opportunity arises.
“I absolutely owe BKFC,” Perry said. “I absolutely have to come back for them. They have plans to have me back by the end of the year. It could be that they already know who's coming back, or I could come back and face Jake Paul. The possibilities are endless. I could fight Dillon Danis in MMA and then fight for BKFC, all by the end of the year. Or I can just sit back and see what happens. Maybe I beat Jake Paul in boxing and then I'll fight Anthony Joshua or something.”
“Nate Diaz[Jorge] Masvidal, who will win the boxing match? [in July]”, it's all respect from me. I have respect for guys that have been in the game a long time. Jake is getting a bad rap because he just got here and he knows it and he understands it. He's trying to pick better fights to get recognized. That's where I come in. This is my opportunity to stop this kid and show him what a real fighter is.”
