Perry Confirms BKFC Exit, Returns To MMA

Mike Perry has closed the book on his bare-knuckle career and is returning to mixed martial arts full-time.

Perry, who went 6-0 in BKFC after leaving the UFC in 2021, told Yahoo Sports that he plans to compete exclusively in MMA for the foreseeable future. "It's like the 'BK cheat code,' man. That bare-knuckle stuff is like a cheat code, I guess," he said, per MMA Mania. "Those two-minute rounds, I was good at it. It was fun. I made some noise doing it, and I'm ready for another challenge."

What's Next For Perry After BKFC

The 35-year-old welterweight has not fought bare-knuckle since stopping Jeremy Stephens in October 2025. He returned to MMA this past May at MVP MMA 1, where he forced a doctor stoppage of Nate Diaz in the second round. Perry lost his next bout three months later, suffering a shoulder injury against Brandon Jenkins at Duel: Arena that led to a first-round TKO loss.

Perry confirmed to Yahoo Sports that he expects to wear gloves "for at least two years" but declined to name his next promotional home. BKFC president David Feldman had indicated earlier that the two sides remained in contact despite Perry exploring other options. Perry captured the promotion's ceremonial King of Violence title during his run, which included wins over Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, and Eddie Alvarez.

Perry is now arguably the biggest free agent in the sport. He has previously mentioned interest in returning to the UFC, though a second stint with MVP MMA also makes sense given the Netflix exposure from his Diaz fight.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Mike Perry moving on from BKFC, returning to MMA ‘for the foreseeable future’ — ‘It was fun’