Mike Perry

Michael Joseph Perry was born on September 15, 1991, in Flint, Michigan. His early life involved frequent moves between Michigan and Florida, leading to an unstable environment that included periods of drug use, house arrest, and probation violations. Perry began boxing training at age 11, an activity that offered structure amidst his early challenges. Upon release from jail for burglary, he secured a position as a trainer at a UFC gym in Winter Springs, Florida, which ultimately laid the foundation for his professional fighting career.

Perry made his professional mixed martial arts debut in September 2014, following a significant amateur career. In less than two years, he amassed a record of nine wins, all achieved by knockout or technical knockout, competing in various regional promotions across the United States. His success led to a call-up to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), making his debut in August 2016 at UFC 202. Throughout his UFC tenure, Perry participated in 15 fights, facing notable opponents such as Donald Cerrone, Paul Felder, and Geoff Neal, and earning ‘Performance of the Night’ and ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses for his aggressive fighting style.

In October 2021, Perry signed with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after his UFC contract concluded. He quickly rose in prominence within the BKFC, making his middleweight debut in February 2022 and securing a unanimous decision victory. He went on to defeat former UFC champions Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez, cementing his status as the inaugural ‘King of Violence’ champion. Perry also notably defeated Michael ‘Venom’ Page in August 2022. Beyond his fighting career, Perry launched his own combat sports organization, “Dirty Boxing Championship,” in July 2024, which features a hybrid ruleset combining elements of boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA.