Mike Perry made his UFC debut in 2016 and during his tenure in the promotion, became a fan favorite for his all-action-fighting style and unique personality. In his first official weigh-in against Lim Hyun-gyu at UFC 202, Perry faked a hand-shake before raising his fists in the air and screaming, “You thought you had a friend, boy!”.

‘Platinum’ then went on to have a mixed bag of performances in the promotion by securing wins against notable names like Jake Ellenberger, Paul Felder, and Alex Oliveira but was unable to put together a significant winning streak. However, in 2021, Perry made the move to BKFC, leaving fans wondering why ‘Platinum’ chose to exit from the promotion despite his rising popularity. Here’s a look at all we know about the situation and the possibility of a return for the man who now holds the title of ‘The King of Violence’!

Mike Perry and Dana White discuss the MMA star’s UFC release

Mike Perry’s last appearance in the Octagon came against Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 23 in April 2021 where he came up short via a unanimous decision. Later in the year, it was announced that Perry had signed a deal with BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship). There wasn’t a lot of information surrounding his departure, but UFC CEO Dana White later stated that ‘Platinum’s contract with the promotion had expired which allowed BKFC to offer him a deal instead.

In his appearance on ‘The MMA Hour’ after his release, Perry stated, “I’m in the ‘Platinum’ Perry business, and whatever I need to do to take care of the fam is what I need to do.” Perry did not delve into the specifics of his departure from the UFC but maintained a positive outlook. “There’s no need to say anything negative,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the new opportunity and further stated, “I want to make things happen for myself, put my own flare into it.”

After putting on a streak of impressive performances for the BKFC and taking to the new sport like a fish to water, Perry signed a new deal with the promotion in 2023. During an interview with MMA Fighting after inking the deal, ‘Platinum’ stated, “I have to say they put about $8 million on contract, 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.”

In a separate conversation with ‘The MMA Hour,’ Perry had also claimed that a move back to the UFC at the time wouldn’t be feasible because “The pay cut would have been too massive”. Now, Mike Perry is set to face off against Jake Paul on July 20 as a replacement for Mike Tyson in a boxing match, but could this be his ticket back to the UFC?

Will ‘Platinum’ ever return to the UFC?

Mike Perry is currently undefeated in BKFC and is looking to accomplish what no former UFC fighter has been able to do so far in a boxing ring, beating Jake Paul. Replacing heavyweight legend Mike Tyson for the July 20 event, Perry may be getting a call from the UFC if he manages to prevail over ‘The Problem Child’ according to his manager, Malki Kawa.

Speaking on the ‘Overdogs Podcast’, Perry’s manager stated, “If Mike Perry knocks Jake Paul out, the door to the UFC has been reopened, I already got that call that said we want him back, the whole nine yards, and this and that. I get that phone call, and I’m entertaining it in my head.”  Kawa also indicated that Perry is exactly the kind of fighter the promotion wants as he further stated, “You got to be an entertaining fighter. And that’s what Mike is, to the point that they’re asking for him back”

It remains to be seen how the fight between Paul and Mike Perry ends, but if ‘The King of Violence’ manages to do what he does best, the MMA sphere can possibly see one of the most entertaining combat sports athletes making his way back to the UFC Octagon!