On Saturday night, former UFC fighter Mike Perry again proved why he is the face of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. In the main event of BKFC 82, "Platinum" defended his King of Violence belt against fellow UFC vet Jeremy Stephens and scored a fourth straight knockout win in another brutal brawl inside the BKFC ring.
So what could be next for Perry in the promotion he has become a top star for? Let's take a look at four potential options, including the matchup the company hyped after his win this weekend.
Credit: BKFC
It looks like BKFC middleweight king David Mundell will be next for Perry after the two faced off in the ring on Saturday night. Mundell has pushed for the fight for a while and is ranked No. 1 in the company's pound-for-pound rankings . Plus, they have history after Perry beat the fellow MMA veteran twice inside the cage. It's one of the best internal fights the company can put on right now.
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BKFC has gained popularity by putting together the best matchups possible, including often bringing in big-name talent from outside the promotion. Furthermore, Perry has made his bare-knuckle career by fighting stars who also competed for his former employer, the UFC . That is why Jorge Masvidal could be an intriguing option.
While he is trying to make a UFC comeback, the welterweight great has been trying to build his own bare-knuckle brand. Working with BKFC to help grow his company, potentially as a feeder league, would benefit him much more long-term. Plus, a Masvidal vs. Perry clash would be a fantastic matchup and bring more eyeballs to the company.
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Just like Masvidal would make sense for Perry and BKFC, it's the same idea times five when it comes to Nate Diaz . He is one of the UFC's most famous fighters and isn't done fighting. While he has hinted he is interested in a UFC return, BKFC is on a serious surge, and they line up better with his transition to boxing in recent years.
Although he has been hesitant about a run in BKFC, he would be a massive get for the company, and the idea of him working for long-time rival Conor McGregor — a part-owner of BKFC — makes the press conferences a must-watch.
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Going in the direction Perry has gone for much of his BKFC career, a clash with UFC great Donald Cerrone would also make sense. Cerrone has hinted at an Octagon return, but it doesn't make sense at 42 and having gone winless in his last seven. However, BKFC would gladly take his name value. Plus, he made Perry tap when they fought in 2018. A chance at revenge and a big payday will definitely intrigue "Platinum."
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