In the world of combat sports, decisions about career moves can be as strategic as the punches thrown in the ring. Mike Perry, a seasoned UFC veteran who has recently made waves in the world of bare-knuckle boxing, found himself at a crossroads as a free agent. But BKFC, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, wasn’t willing to let him slip through their fingers.
Perry, who has become a prominent face in the bare-knuckle promotion after securing three consecutive victories, ultimately made the decision to continue his journey with BKFC. The deal he recently signed is nothing short of lucrative, and it’s clear that Perry had good reason to stick around once BKFC presented an offer he couldn’t turn down.
In a candid interview with MMA Hook, Perry explained his decision, saying, “They made it very easy to stick with them. I do really enjoy the boxing and having learned to deal with the bare-knuckle aspect of boxing, already having experience with it and stepping in there a few times against some good fighters. They made it really easy for me to choose them actually. They made it easy to say they were the only choice.”
Now, let’s talk numbers. Perry spilled the beans on his compensation package, revealing that BKFC is set to pay him in the high seven figures for his new deal. This eye-popping sum dwarfs what he earned throughout his career, including his nearly five-year stint with the UFC.
With guaranteed money on the table, Perry eagerly awaits BKFC to line up a series of high-profile opponents. He’s already proven his mettle by defeating notable fighters like Rockhold and former Bellator welterweight contender Michael Page in his last two bouts.
“I have to say they put about $8 million on contract,” Perry boldly stated. “I’ll just go ahead and put that out there because f*** them, they’ve got to fight me now because I’m ready to make this money. I got this money on paperwork, I got this house I’m paying for. I’ve got this family I’m paying for. I’ve got all these expensive things going on. I’m ready to fight, promote, talk some s*** and punch some people in their face.”
Curiously, Perry didn’t disclose which other organizations pursued him as a free agent. However, he swiftly extinguished any notion of a return to the UFC. Despite his history with the promotion, Perry openly acknowledged that he’d earn far more in BKFC than he would by returning to the octagon.
“The pay cut would have been too massive,” Perry stated in a separate interview with The MMA Hour.
While Perry is undoubtedly delighted with his new contract, he remains aware that both bare-knuckle fighting and MMA have some catching up to do in terms of the massive paydays seen in professional boxing. He’s not complaining about his earnings, but rather sending a gentle reminder that the biggest paychecks in BKFC, and even the UFC, still pale in comparison to the colossal sums earned by boxing’s elite.
“When I started fighting, this was always my plan,” Perry reflected. “To put everything I had into the fights, into the entertainment obviously. I learned a lot. There were lots of ups and downs. But I’ve always planned on having these purses that were extremely large. Look, they’re not even that large compared to some of these fighters. Canelo [Alvarez] out there apparently making $40-50 million, [Floyd] Mayweather, $100 million. Conor [McGregor], $100 million. These guys are making real, real, real, real money. I almost hate to say I’m happy with my little bump that I’ve gotten, and a lot of fighters aren’t in the position that I’m in. There’s a lot of fighters that I’m not in the position in, but I’m grateful for what I have.”
One more perk that comes with Perry’s BKFC deal is the freedom to pursue outside interests. For instance, he’s taken on the role of a backup fighter for the upcoming boxing match between Logan Paul and Dillon Danis scheduled for October. This opportunity might not have been possible if he had signed with certain other promotions, making Perry appreciate his partnership with BKFC even more.
“Even with BKFC, one of the better perks is I could take a fight like this Logan Paul fight that I might get last minute,” Perry disclosed. “They’re not going to pay me quite as much as BKFC is going to pay me, but I was like, it’s just an extra paycheck.”
If the Logan Paul match doesn’t materialize in October, Perry has his sights set on his next bare-knuckle fight, which he expects to happen before the end of 2023. Rest assured, he’s ready to prove his worth to BKFC after securing his new contract.
“There’s lots of perks in store for me,” Perry said with determination. “I just have to stay vigilant and stay on task, stay focused and take it one at a time.” It’s clear that Mike Perry’s journey in the world of combat sports is far from over, and his ambition and financial gains are on an upward trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lucrative BKFC Deal
Q: What prompted Mike Perry to sign a new contract with BKFC instead of exploring other options as a free agent?
A: Mike Perry’s decision to stick with BKFC was primarily driven by the offer he received from the organization. He mentioned that BKFC made it very easy for him to choose them due to his enjoyment of boxing and his prior experience with bare-knuckle fighting. Perry felt that their offer was the only logical choice for him.
Q: Can you provide details about Mike Perry’s compensation under his new BKFC contract?
A: Certainly. Under his new contract with BKFC, Mike Perry is set to earn in the high seven figures. This substantial sum represents a significant increase compared to what he earned throughout his career, including his time in the UFC.
Q: Were there any other organizations pursuing Mike Perry as a free agent?
A: While Mike Perry didn’t disclose the specific organizations that pursued him as a free agent, he did make it clear that a return to the UFC was never on the table. He indicated that the pay cut he would have experienced by returning to the UFC would have been substantial.
Q: What does Mike Perry think about the pay disparity between combat sports like MMA and professional boxing?
A: Mike Perry acknowledges that, while he is content with his earnings in BKFC, there is still a significant pay gap between combat sports like MMA and professional boxing. He points out that top boxers like Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather earn substantially more, often in the tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, compared to MMA fighters.
Q: How has Mike Perry’s BKFC contract impacted his ability to pursue outside interests?
A: Perry’s contract with BKFC has afforded him the freedom to explore outside opportunities, such as being a backup fighter for the Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis boxing match in October. This flexibility is one of the advantages of his partnership with BKFC, as it allows him to pursue additional income streams.
Q: What can we expect next from Mike Perry in BKFC?
A: Mike Perry is gearing up for his future in BKFC, with expectations of another bare-knuckle fight before the end of 2023. He is committed to demonstrating his skills and worth in the organization and is focused on his career’s progression.
More about Lucrative BKFC Deal
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Mike Perry inks new BKFC deal – Source for details about Mike Perry’s new BKFC contract and his decision-making process.
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Mike Perry’s career – For an overview of Mike Perry’s career in mixed martial arts, including his time in the UFC.
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Boxing vs. MMA pay disparity – Explores Mike Perry’s perspective on the pay gap between boxing and MMA.
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Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis fight – Details about the Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis boxing match in which Mike Perry is involved.
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Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) – Official website of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship for more information about the organization and its fighters.
3 comments
Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis? Perry’s gettin’ in on the action! Exciting times ahead for him!
LOL, Perry’s like “I’m here to make this money!” He’s right, tho, MMA pay needs to catch up with boxing.
UFC’s loss is BKFC’s gain. Perry’s gotta do what’s best for him financially, no shame in that.