Perry Announces 2027 UFC Return After Five Years
Mike Perry will return to the UFC in 2027 after five years away from the promotion.
The welterweight brawler announced his comeback plans, per MMA Mania, immediately sparking speculation about matchups with Jorge Masvidal and Conor McGregor. Perry last competed in the Octagon in 2021 before leaving to pursue bare-knuckle boxing and boxing opportunities, including a loss to Jake Paul in a sanctioned bout.
Perry's Octagon Absence And Matchroom Stint
Perry went 14-8 during his first UFC run between 2016 and 2021, building a reputation as one of the division's most aggressive finishers. His departure came during a stretch where he dropped four of his final six Octagon appearances. Since then, he competed in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and faced Nate Diaz in a boxing match at Netflix's Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card in May 2026.
The UFC has not confirmed Perry's return or announced potential opponents. A Masvidal fight would reunite two Florida welterweights who came up through the regional circuit at similar times, while a McGregor bout would pair Perry with the sport's biggest draw if the Irishman returns from his recent injury layoff.
No timeline beyond 2027 has been specified for Perry's first fight back.
Photo by Oboakpeyrenyehavwo on Unsplash
Original reporting:
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