BKFC president David Feldman teases Mike Perry’s next fight: ‘We have someone that makes sense’

Mike Perry, often dubbed "The King of Violence," returned to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) ring in October 2023 after a hiatus of a year and a half, securing a decisive victory over Jeremy Stephens in the main event of BKFC 82. This win further solidified his perfect professional bare-knuckle record, extending it to an unblemished 6-0. Following his triumph, Perry publicly articulated a diverse list of potential future adversaries, though he noted a perceived reluctance among some high-profile names to commit to a bare-knuckle encounter. Despite the speculative nature of such call-outs, BKFC President David Feldman confirmed in an interview with MMA Fighting that the promotion is actively engaged in negotiations for Perry’s next assignment, hinting at a potentially "big-named opponent."

Feldman underscored the strategic importance of selecting the right challenger for Perry. "Mike Perry, as me and you discussed, always needs the right dance partner," Feldman stated to MMA Fighting. "He can’t fight someone that doesn’t make sense. We have someone that makes sense and if we cross the finish line, we’re certainly going to do something with him and I think it’s just going to blow the doors off the place." The president’s remarks highlight BKFC’s commitment to curating compelling matchups that resonate with its growing audience and elevate Perry’s star power within the sport. While expressing optimism, Feldman also acknowledged the inherent uncertainties of high-stakes negotiations, adding, "That’s not done yet. Honestly, I think it’s going to get done but you just never know if it’s going to get done." This cautious optimism reflects the complexities involved in finalizing agreements with prominent athletes, particularly those with established careers across various combat sports disciplines.

Perry’s recent victory over Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82 in Miami, Florida, on October 20, 2023, was a significant moment for the promotion. Stephens, a veteran of over 50 professional mixed martial arts fights and a long-time contender in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), provided a stern test for Perry. The fight, contested over five rounds, showcased Perry’s relentless pressure and bare-knuckle striking prowess, ultimately resulting in a unanimous decision victory. This performance not only extended Perry’s winning streak but also demonstrated his adaptability and resilience in the squared circle. The win against Stephens followed a series of impressive outings that have defined Perry’s BKFC tenure since his debut in February 2022.

Indeed, Perry’s journey in BKFC has been marked by a consistent string of high-profile wins against formidable opponents from the world of mixed martial arts and kickboxing. His perfect 6-0 record includes victories over former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, Bellator MMA superstar Michael "Venom" Page, and former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Each of these contests has contributed significantly to Perry’s reputation as one of bare-knuckle boxing’s most compelling figures. His dominant performance against Alvarez in April 2023, which saw him win by TKO due to a doctor stoppage, was particularly impactful, further cementing his status as a legitimate force in the sport. The brutal knockout victory over Luke Rockhold in April 2023 at KnuckleMania III, an event Perry headlined, was another career highlight, demonstrating his devastating power and ability to finish elite-level competition. Rockhold, a decorated former UFC champion, suffered a second-round TKO loss after Perry connected with a series of powerful bare-knuckle strikes. Prior to this, Perry’s unanimous decision win over Michael "Venom" Page in August 2022 at BKFC 27 in London, England, was a pivotal moment, as it pitted two of combat sports’ most dynamic strikers against each other in a bare-knuckle setting. These victories against highly respected names have not only propelled Perry to the forefront of BKFC but have also positioned him as a sought-after opponent for crossover bouts.

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The search for Perry’s "right dance partner" has seen BKFC explore several high-profile options in the past. Before the matchup with Jeremy Stephens materialized, the promotion had engaged in extensive discussions with former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler regarding a potential return to combat sports for a bare-knuckle clash with Perry. Lawler, known for his aggressive fighting style and numerous memorable wars in the UFC, represented an enticing prospect for a cross-promotional spectacle. His legendary status and reputation for thrilling fights made him an ideal candidate to face Perry, given their shared propensity for exciting, stand-up battles. However, despite initial interest and negotiations, the proposed fight ultimately did not come to fruition, leading BKFC to pursue alternative opponents for Perry. The specific reasons for the breakdown in talks were not publicly disclosed, but such high-level negotiations often involve complex contractual and financial considerations.

Another prominent name frequently linked with a bout against Mike Perry by David Feldman is former UFC title challenger Darren Till. Feldman has consistently expressed his interest in seeing Till make the transition to bare-knuckle boxing to face Perry, recognizing the immense drawing power such a matchup would possess. Till, a formidable striker with a strong fan base, has been a recurring subject of discussion for Feldman, who has publicly stated his desire to bring the Liverpool native into the BKFC fold. However, despite Feldman’s overtures, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. Till has openly voiced his hesitancy about competing in bare-knuckle fighting, a discipline that carries unique risks and demands a specific skillset. His reservations appear to have been compounded by his recent focus on a burgeoning boxing career. While Till has not yet achieved a significant breakthrough in professional boxing, his commitment to the sport suggests a preference for gloved competition over the raw intensity of bare-knuckle bouts. This shift in focus likely makes him even less inclined to entertain a bare-knuckle proposition, posing a continued challenge for Feldman in his pursuit of this particular dream match.

Looking ahead, David Feldman has hinted at a potential early return for Mike Perry, possibly as soon as February. The target event for this highly anticipated comeback is KnuckleMania VI, scheduled to take place in Philadelphia. This would mark a significant occasion for the promotion, as KnuckleMania events are consistently among BKFC’s most prominent annual showcases. Perry has a storied history with KnuckleMania, having headlined two previous iterations of the marquee event. His consistent presence at these tentpole cards underscores his importance as a primary draw for the organization. "Tentatively, Mike Perry coming back for KnuckleMania could be a big part of the plan," Feldman teased, indicating the strategic alignment of Perry’s star power with BKFC’s flagship event.

KnuckleMania VI is slated for February 7, a strategically chosen date that places it one night prior to the Super Bowl. This scheduling aims to capitalize on the heightened sports viewership and interest during the Super Bowl week, potentially drawing a wider audience to the bare-knuckle spectacle. Philadelphia, a city with a rich boxing history and a passionate fan base, has proven to be a receptive market for BKFC events, making it an ideal location for a high-stakes bout featuring "The King of Violence." The combination of a prime date, a dedicated venue, and the potential return of its biggest star positions KnuckleMania VI to be a landmark event for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

Mike Perry’s impressive six-fight undefeated streak in BKFC is a testament to his unique suitability for bare-knuckle competition. His aggressive, forward-moving style, coupled with his durable chin and powerful hands, has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. The quality of his victories – over the likes of former world champions and top contenders – further validates his position at the pinnacle of the sport. As negotiations continue for his next opponent, the anticipation within the combat sports community is palpable. David Feldman’s comments suggest that BKFC is not just looking for another fight for Perry but a monumental event that could further elevate both the fighter and the promotion. The stage appears set for another electrifying chapter in the career of Mike Perry, with KnuckleMania VI looming as a potential backdrop for what could be his biggest bare-knuckle challenge yet.