Mike Perry is earning less for his next fight, but he believes the matchup is worth far more than the paycheck. The BKFC star and former UFC welterweight will headline Duel Arena 1 against Dillon Danis at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. While the bout does not match the financial reward of his previous appearance, Perry says facing a high-profile opponent was an opportunity he could not turn down.
Perry says UFC talks never gained momentum
Perry is riding high after stopping MMA veteran Nate Diaz in a bloody two-round contest at MVP MMA 1, which streamed on Netflix. The victory fueled speculation about a possible UFC return. According to Perry with Ariel Helwani, discussions did take place, but nothing meaningful developed.
“So, I’ve heard that they had conversations with my team and my people, but if they want me, what are we talking about?”
“Your boy has gotten his name up, and I’m a prize fighter. Fighting for the UFC is not the only prize.”
Perry willing to earn less for a bigger opportunity
Perry admitted his upcoming bout with Danis pays significantly less than his clash with Diaz. Even so, he felt the matchup was too valuable to decline.
“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; they are paying what they can, but I had to take this opportunity to fight Danis.”
“It’s not the money I got to fight Nate.”
“So, when I beat up Dillon Danis, I’ll get another opportunity. And it better be for big, big money. Didn’t Nate get like $10 million to fight me?”
Danis’ name and unbeaten record caught Perry’s attention
For Perry, the appeal of the fight extends beyond the paycheck. He believes defeating Danis would add another notable name to his résumé while handing his opponent the first loss of his professional MMA career.
“Dillon Danis is a big name. Believe it or not, he is a big name.”
“He’s a famous guy. He hasn’t gotten all the fair shots and chances at big fights. And if you’re a big name and a real fighter like myself, you can’t not take this opportunity.”
Perry earned a cool $400,000 for his victory over the Stockto Slugger, but it is unclear how much his purse for Dillon Danis might be.