Eddie Hearn doesn't know much about Mike Perry, but from what he knows, it's going to be a long night for the BKFC star when he takes on Jake Paul on July 20.
Perry is no stranger to skepticism. The power puncher had some memorable moments as a UFC welterweight, but never achieved much success, ultimately leaving the organization with a 7-8 record in 2021. Few could have predicted that the end of his UFC run would be the beginning of his rise in the mixed martial arts world.
With the world of bare-knuckle boxing calling, Perry will make his BKFC debut in 2022 and take on the notorious Ultimate Fighter Perry defeated fellow contestant Julian Lane, then went on to defeat Bellator star Michael “Venom” Page, former UFC champion Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez and most recently handily beat Thiago Alves. The win didn't stop Perry's momentum, leading to a boxing match against the infamous Paul.
During his appearance on the show, Hearn was asked for his opinion on the fight. MMA HourPaul had a significant physical advantage and gave Perry very little chance.
“I've never seen Mike Perry fight,” Hearn said. “Isn't he a welterweight or something?”
“£200? He has no chance,” he added.
Perry has fought at various weight classes for BKFC but will be moving up to 200 pounds for his bout with Paul. “Problem Boy” has frequently fought and won against much smaller opponents, including former UFC stars Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
Hahn had fun MMA Hour Host Ariel Helwani talks about past failed predictions.
“Ariel, I told you Francis Ngannou is going to beat Anthony Joshua,” Hearn said. “Stop getting so hung up on UFC fighters.
“I don't know Mike Perry, but I know he's a tough guy. Of course he is a tough guy, so I wish him the best of luck.”
Given their history, it's understandable that Hearn wouldn't root for Paul: The two had previously worked together to promote the highly anticipated April 30 bout between Paul's Most Valuable Promotions fighter Amanda Serrano and Hearn's Matchroom Boxing fighter Katie Taylor (and continue to work together on the Nov. 15 rematch). But Paul later accused Hearn of rigging the outcome of that bout, which Taylor won by split decision.
Following these allegations, Hahn filed a defamation lawsuit against Paul, which is still pending.
Hearn put the drama behind him during a recent trip to Puerto Rico, engaging in a cordial conversation with Paul ahead of the June 15 bout between Liam Paro and Sabriel Matias.
“I was having dinner at the hotel where I was staying, which is actually the resort where he lives,” Hahn said. “I was just eating dinner when I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around and it was Jake.”
“It was OK,” he continued. “He was very nice. We had a quick chat and he said come to the show tomorrow and that was it. … We're still having issues, but we're always open to chat.”
