Mike Perry, after losing a boxing match to Jake Paul, dismissed Conor McGregor‘s social media taunts and claims of firing him from BKFC, suggesting a potential future fight with McGregor or a return to MMA.
Mike Perry isn’t here for Conor McGregor’s nonsense.
On Saturday night at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., Perry faced off with Jake Paul in a 10-round cruiserweight boxing match. Things didn’t go well for Perry. Paul clubbed him around the ring, repeatedly dropping “The King of Violence” before finally stopping him in the sixth round.
It was a tough loss for Perry. To add insult to injury, BKFC co-owner McGregor took to social media shortly after the finish to attack Perry. He mocked Perry’s newly created “Dirty Boxing” promotion and proclaimed that Perry was “fired” from BKFC.
Speaking after the fight, Perry had little patience for McGregor’s latest outburst.
“He doesn’t f*cking have a promotion,” Perry said at his post-fight press conference. “Me and him are both owners of BKFC, so he can’t fire me.” We can fight in bare-knuckle. Look at me, I lost to Jake Paul. Why don’t you go fight Jake Paul in boxing with the gloves on? I think it would be worse than Conor McGregor vs. [Floyd] Mayweather.”
In a pair of since-deleted tweets, McGregor wrote the following in response to Perry’s comments:
“Perry took a pay cut to take that fight btw. It was a wish of his. Astounding.” He will not be offered a return to the BKFC ring. He can do a few matches of his new Dirty Boxing thing with the MMA sparring gloves he has set up. We wish him well. Wish granted.”
“Michael, you are not any owner in BKFC.” Not an iota. You have the tiniest minute dot of a share in [Triller]. The social media video app which is promising, in fairness. But it’s a speckle you have.” You hold nothing in [BKFC]. Not an iota.” And trust me, you are out, bro.”
Earlier this year, McGregor became a co-owner of BKFC but it’s unlikely he has the power to unilaterally fire Perry—particularly given Perry is the face of the promotion.
Of course, that could just be setting up a potential fight with Perry down the line.
After all, they already shared a faceoff once upon a time and McGregor recently declared he intended to be a “player-manager” with BKFC.
If that’s the case though, it won’t be for some time.
McGregor currently still has two fights remaining on his UFC deal so any possible move to BKFC is still far off.
But that works for Perry who says that after the knockout loss some time off is in order.
“Just chill with the fam and get back in the gym when I can,” said Perry. Try to take care of my body.” I’m not in a hurry to go party and f*ck myself up.” There’s nothing to be happy about.” I should have done better or maybe I just couldn’t.” I don’t know.” He was just too sharp too fast for me.” Good job to Jake Paul.”
When he does return though—Perry will have no shortage of options.
“Platinum” remains BKFC’s biggest star so returning there could be likely or debuting his own Dirty Boxing Championship promotion is also possible.
There’s even another option: Returning to MMA—to run things back with Paul differently!
“You saw me drop Jake on his head there with some grappling,” said Perry.“I got pissed off and tossed him down.”
Who knows what his strategy would be?
He’d probably train smartly but my ability—even with smaller gloves—maybe catch him faster get my hands on him take his back use some jiu-jitsu.”
If that’s something he wanted—I’d do it! These other guys didn’t want but I will!” Let’s fight!”
Paul partnered with PFL back in 2023 intending eventually stepping into cage once—but hasn’t yet happened as he’s focused on boxing instead!
He did make Nate Diaz lucrative offer fighting MMA—but never came pass so perhaps now—it could be opportunity sliding door open—for someone like…Perry?