Quick Read
- Mike Perry will fight Nate Diaz on May 16 in a high-profile Netflix-streamed MMA event.
- BKFC president David Feldman expressed frustration, claiming he had a major fight planned for Perry that the fighter declined.
- Perry cited a history of scheduling instability in 2025 as the reason for his decision to seek outside opportunities.
Mike Perry has publicly addressed the growing friction between himself and Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) president David Feldman following the announcement of his upcoming MMA showdown against Nate Diaz. The fight, scheduled for May 16 in Los Angeles as part of the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card, will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix, marking a significant move for Perry outside of his primary promotion.
BKFC Leadership Claims Missed Opportunities
The tension surfaced after Feldman expressed public disappointment regarding Perry’s career choices. The BKFC president stated that while he wishes the fighter well, he had “something really big planned” for Perry that ultimately fell through when the fighter opted to pursue the Diaz bout. Feldman noted that the organization was not involved in the negotiations for the Netflix event, suggesting that Perry utilized a contractual escape clause to secure the fight.
Perry Cites Scheduling Frustrations
Responding to these claims, Perry pushed back against the narrative that he bypassed a superior opportunity. Speaking ahead of his own promotion’s event, DBX 6, Perry highlighted a history of scheduling instability throughout 2025 as a primary driver for his decision-making. “That’s not fair, bro, because there’s lots of talk—shit moves, like shit changes,” Perry stated, recalling a year where he was repeatedly told a fight was imminent, only for dates to vanish. For Perry, the certainty of a signed, announced bout with Diaz offered a level of professional reliability he felt was lacking in his recent BKFC tenure.
Stakes for the ‘King of Violence’
Despite the current tension, Perry emphasized that he remains under contract for two additional bouts with BKFC and holds no ill will toward the organization. The upcoming clash with Diaz represents a high-profile opportunity to reach a global audience of millions on Netflix, a factor Perry views as crucial for his future leverage. While the fighter maintains a desire to return to the bare-knuckle ring, his immediate focus remains on securing a victory on May 16 to maximize his market value.
The friction between Perry and BKFC reflects a broader tension in combat sports where individual fighter autonomy and high-stakes media opportunities often clash with the long-term promotional planning of boutique combat leagues.