BKFC Holds No Ill Will Towards Its Mascot for Choosing Netflix Payday

Mike Perry acknowledges that BKFC and David Feldman have been instrumental in building a successful new chapter in his career since leaving the UFC, but that doesn't mean there haven't been disappointments along the way.

Perry is now making a return to MMA, with a massive bout against Nate Diaz scheduled for May 16th in Los Angeles. This event, featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano as the main card, will be streamed exclusively on Netflix.

Following the announcement, BKFC President David Feldman commented on Perry's decision to face Diaz. While wishing him success, Feldman admitted he had hoped Perry's next move would be different and involve the organization.

“Honestly, we had almost nothing to do with it,” Feldman said. “I wish him success, truly. These guys go out and risk their lives to earn money, and he’s going to make good money, which I’m happy about. But it wasn’t something we were involved in, and it didn’t unfold the way I wanted it to, to be frank.”

“Our relationship is good. I wanted something different. I had something in the works, but they chose this because they had an opportunity. I had a really big plan for him, a huge one, but he chose this path.”

Perry was asked about Feldman's comments ahead of his Dirty Boxing – DBX 6 event, which is set to take place Friday night in Miami.

“I’m very grateful for everything I’ve done in BKFC and everything BKFC has done for me,” Perry told MMA Fighting. “This is just another opportunity and path. The last time I stepped away from bare-knuckle fighting, I fought Jake Paul in a boxing match, and now I want to achieve success coming out of this style.”

“I don’t know if it matters if I succeed, because there are many opportunities afterward. As a professional fighter, my goal is to earn money. I still have two fights left on my BKFC contract. I like the bare-knuckle style. If we can do something after May 16th again with BKFC, or depending on the offers and opportunities – where is the best place? If I win this fight and Netflix gives me another chance, that means a huge audience – around 100 million people.”

“There are no hard feelings, no tension… well, I might taste blood in my mouth again, but I love BKFC. I like working with David Feldman, we’ve had great times, and I hope this isn’t the end.”

Perry has achieved tremendous success in BKFC, winning all six of his bouts in the organization – including against former UFC fighters like Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, Jeremy Stephens, and Thiago Alves. Although “Platinum” has become the face of the organization, he has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consistent activity.

When asked if he could reveal details about the big fight Feldman had planned for him, Perry again touched on some of his frustrations over the past year.

“That’s not fair, man, because there’s a lot of talk, things are constantly changing,” Perry said. “DBX also changed. Last year, I was supposed to fight in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September – and I ended up fighting only in October. I was supposed to have a fight every month in 2025. Every month they told me: ‘Next month.’”

“So, whoever comes with an offer – I’m in, but there needs to be time for preparation and certainty that things won’t change. That’s the good thing about this fight with Nate – we signed, we announced it, and it’s going to happen. There are fighters where fights are announced and then canceled or changed. We are going to fight. I don’t want to jinx it, but we’re almost certain this fight will take place.”