Bare Knuckle FC superstar Mike Perry will get an intriguing opponent for his return to the ring.
Mike Perry was linked to a potential bare-knuckle showdown with UFC superstar Conor McGregor for months, further intensified by their intense banter during a recent press conference. Perry hasn’t fought in BKFC since defeating Thiago Alves by TKO in April 2024, and opted to box Jake Paul last summer instead of booking an immediate BKFC return.
McGregor has since eyed a return to the UFC Octagon next year, and appears serious about his latest comeback attempt. For now, McGregor’s BKFC ambitions are on hold as he prepares for his return to MMA.
In the meantime, Perry will face another brawler in the BKFC ring for his return on October 4th, as announced by BKFC founder and president David Feldman.
Mike Perry vs. Robbie Lawler canceled as BKFC announces new fight for BKFC Newark
Feldman announced on Wednesday, during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, that Perry will face Jeremy Stephens in the BKFC Newark main event on October 4th at the Prudential Center. Stephens made his MMA comeback earlier this year at UFC Des Moines, losing to Mason Jones by decision.
Perry was in negotiations to face UFC Hall of Famer Robbie Lawler in the BKFC ring, before contract talks recently stalled. Feldman says that Lawler remains interested in fighting in BKFC at a later date, but for undisclosed reasons, they haven’t gotten the deal done yet.
Stephens returns to BKFC after defeating former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez in January by TKO. He’s 3-0 in BKFC, with wins over Bobby Taylor and former UFC standout Jimmie Rivera.
In addition to the Perry vs. Stephens headliner, Feldman teased several to-be-announced bouts that will excite BKFC fans ahead of the October 4th card. He hinted at a heavyweight matchup close to being announced, potentially featuring Ben Rothwell and/or Yoel Romero, who is booked for his promotional debut on September 12th.
The full card is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens headlines ‘major’ card at BKFC Newark
Perry has found a new home in BKFC since departing the UFC in April 2021. He remains unbeaten in BKFC with wins over former UFC champs Luke Rockhold and Alvarez, along with a debut win over current BKFC titleholder Julian Lane.
Perry also defeated current UFC middleweight contender Michael ‘Venom’ Page by majority decision in London in August 2022. It was a one-off fight for Page, who returns to the UFC middleweight division this Saturday at UFC 319 against Jared Cannonier.
Perry’s ‘King of Violence’ belt will be on the line against Stephens on October 4th.