Mike Perry open to UFC return despite expected pay cut
Former UFC fighter says there have already been talks with the promotion but insists money, not the organization, is his priority.
Despite having gone through a rough stretch before his contract with the UFC expired in 2021 — with seven defeats in his last 10 fights in the promotion — Mike Perry has successfully rebuilt his career outside the organization. Since then, "Platinum" has been undefeated in his six appearances in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, with wins over names like Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Thiago Alves and Jeremy Stephens.
Although he has found success outside the UFC, Perry has not ruled out a return to the Octagon. Even if that means accepting a pay cut.
Mike Perry Confirms He's in Talks with UFC
After more than five years away from MMA, having competed exclusively in bare knuckle during that period, Perry returned to the cage last May when he defeated Nate Diaz under the Most Valuable Promotions banner. Now, the American is scheduled to face Dillon Danis in August and seems to be considering his options before making his next move.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Perry revealed he is willing to take a pay cut for a potential return to the UFC.
"I've heard that they've had conversations with my team… I'm a prize fighter," Perry began. "Fighting for the UFC is not the only prize. Fighting for money is the prize. Life-changing money and opportunity is the prize. I'm sure I would take a bit of a pay cut to go back to the UFC but I don't know how big that pay cut is. I'm taking one now to fight Dillon Danis."
Perry's comments reflect how much his career has changed since leaving the UFC. Once known as one of the promotion's most entertaining yet inconsistent fighters, the American rebuilt his value in bare knuckle boxing and now finds himself in a position where he can evaluate opportunities based on financial return rather than the promotion itself.
With his upcoming fight against Danis, Perry has another opportunity to strengthen his position for a lucrative fight in the near future. A convincing performance could put him in an even better position when deciding the next move in his career, whether that comes inside or outside the UFC.
