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Mike Perry Leaves Bare Knuckle FC for MMA Return

The veteran fighter announces his departure from BKFC to pursue new challenges in the world of mixed martial arts.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

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Mike Perry has departed Bare Knuckle FC to return to mixed martial arts competition, seeking new challenges in his professional fighting career. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mike Perry has officially departed Bare Knuckle FC, announcing his return to traditional mixed martial arts competition. The move marks a pivot for the veteran fighter who intends to wear gloves for his upcoming bouts.

Why it matters

Perry is shifting his focus back to MMA after a successful run in bare-knuckle combat where he secured victories over notable names like Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold. He stated that he is seeking a new challenge as he navigates the next chapter of his combat sports career.

Perry plans to compete wearing gloves for at least 2 years following his departure from Bare Knuckle FC. His previous tenure in the UFC spanned 5 years, concluding after a loss to Daniel Rodriguez in April 2021.

The players

Mike Perry

He is a combat sports athlete known for his time in the UFC and his high-profile run as the face of Bare Knuckle FC.

Ariel Helwani

He is a prominent combat sports journalist and broadcaster who hosts The Ariel Helwani Show.

The details

During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Perry confirmed his exit from BKFC following his performance at BKFC 82 against Jeremy Stephens. He is currently evaluating his options, which include a potential UFC reunion or signing with MVP MMA for the promotion's full launch next year.

Timeline

  1. 2016-2021: Perry's tenure in the UFC.

  2. April 2021: Perry departed the UFC after losing to Rodriguez.

  3. Earlier this year: Perry defeated Nate Diaz in an MMA fight.

  4. Last year: Perry defeated Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82.

  5. Next year: Potential full launch of MVP MMA.

Season Trajectory

Perry's departure fundamentally shifts the landscape for bare-knuckle fighting and impacts the veteran free-agent market in MMA. His move forces rival promotions to re-evaluate their rosters as they anticipate the launch of new ventures like MVP MMA.

Fans can expect Perry to return to traditional glove-based combat for at least the next two years. His free agency status makes him a key player in upcoming roster movements for major MMA organizations.

The takeaway

Perry continues to maintain his high profile by actively pivoting between different combat disciplines. Fighters can use this example of brand building to leverage their name value when transitioning between organizations.

Further reading

For more on the current state of the sport, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.

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Do you think a fighter should switch leagues to seek new career challenges?