BKFC icon and UFC veteran Mike Perry reveals how Dillon Danis MMA fight came about at Duel Arena 1

Mike Perry has provided the fans with some clarity on how his scheduled MMA fight against Dillon Danis -- which caught many in the combat sports world unawares -- came about. 

The striking savant also underlined his potential strategy for the matchup against Danis, who's a BJJ world champion and crafty grappler to face.

That said, Perry is considered to be far more experienced in MMA than the 3-0 Danis, who recently piqued fan interest with his freestyle wrestling foray in the RAF (Real American Freestyle) wrestling promotion. 

Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis is scheduled for the inaugural Duel Arena MMA event -- Duel Arena 1

Mike Perry recently took to social media, drawing attention to an X post that contained a poster promoting a matchup between himself and Dillon Danis.

Mike Heck of MMA Fighting subsequently reported that ex-UFC star Mike Perry and ex-Bellator MMA star Danis will indeed clash, adding that the matchup will be contested in a ring, not a cage. 

Their welterweight MMA fight is set to headline Duel Arena 1 (aka Duel: Arena), promoted by online crypto casino DuelBet, which is venturing into the business of promoting fights. It'll be a "hybrid" combat sports event, featuring boxing and kickboxing matches as well. 

Also, it'll boast a few social media influencers' fights, enhancing the card's crossover appeal with their fan bases who may not be accustomed to viewing combative sports. The Duel Arena 1 event, starring Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis, is booked to transpire at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, on August 29. 

UFC veteran and BKFC's King of Violence Mike Perry reveals how the Dillon Danis MMA fight booking materialized

Mike Perry recently returned to MMA for the first time since 2021, beating fellow former UFC star Nate Diaz by way of TKO due to a cut stoppage at the inaugural MVP MMA event in May.

"Platinum" is also undefeated in the sport of bare-knuckle boxing, having established himself as one of the biggest stars in the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), boasting the BKFC King of Violence title. 

Ergo, a number of fight fans pointed out that Perry agreeing to fight in a new MMA promotion -- despite a potential Nate Diaz rematch in MVP MMA and his return to the BKFC on the cards -- was a tad surprising. 

Well, the Michigan-born Florida-based fighter opened up on the developments during a conversation with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show. 

The 34-year-old asserted that the fight came together just a couple of days before it was announced. They offered him a deal to fight Danis, initially signaling they'll clash in Tennessee but later noting it'll take place in Orlando. Perry affirmed that he loved Orlando, his current hometown, as the location of the targeted matchup. 

Perry stated, "So, my team came together, First Round Management. We know the promoter that's working with Duel Arena. I've known him for years. And they just saw a fight that people have been wanting." 

He added, "Dillon Danis is a big name. Believe it or not, he's a big name. He is a famous guy. And he hasn't gotten all the fair shots and chances at big fights. And if you are a big fighter, a real fighter like myself, you can't not take this opportunity." 

Perry underscored that he'd like to put on a show for his hometown fans, giving them a close look at the King of Violence. 

Perry confirmed it would indeed be a ring that'll host his fight against Danis, and they'll clash at 170 pounds. The KO artist opined that he's comfortable irrespective of the combat setup in which he has to compete and is coming for blood. 

Moreover, Perry was then asked about the speculation that the ring likely favors him stylistically, because he's more of a striker and Danis is a grappler at his core. As such, some believe that Danis would have a tougher time against him in a ring, as securing takedowns against the ropes could be trickier than it is against a cage's fence. 

On his part, Perry emphasized that he's working on his game plan, which wouldn't differ much from that of his Nate Diaz matchup. Although he's preparing to win the fight wherever it goes -- be it in the stand-up department or on the mat -- he highlighted that he'd like to stuff takedowns and keep it on the feet against his BJJ expert rival. 

Also, Perry affirmed that he's a "prizefighter" -- underlining that he's open to fighting in MVP MMA and even the UFC. The bare-knuckle boxing superstar added that he still supports the BKFC -- referencing his appearance at BKFC 91 in Naples, Italy -- and would be open to fighting in its Squared Circle again. He clarified that, for now, he's focused on the Danis MMA clash at Duel Arena 1. 

Watch Mike Perry discuss the Dillon Danis fight below: 

Mike Perry explains how the Dillon Danis MMA fight came together:

"They offered me some money to fight Dillon Danis... I heard someone say it was going to be in Orlando, and I was like, 'Oh, we gotta do that.' Like, that would be sick.

Dillon Danis is a big name. Believe it or… pic.twitter.com/oeLDiKd6XV

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 28, 2026