Sports · Combat Sports · 1 hr ago
BKFC says Mike Perry is too costly to bring back for now
Mike Perry is leaving bare-knuckle fighting to focus on MMA, after not fighting for BKFC in more than a year.
Perry was one of the promotion’s biggest stars, but BKFC president Dave Feldman says bringing him back costs too much for the company right now.
Feldman said Perry did a lot for BKFC and that the decision was not a criticism of him.
The promotion is now relying more on local fighters with strong followings to sell tickets.
Feldman pointed to 14,000 tickets sold at Fenway Park and an expected 18,000 in Philadelphia without a major star on the card.
BKFC says it can draw crowds without Perry, as it builds up its own talent.
Feldman also said Perry had received an offer he could not refuse, which he expects to be announced soon.
BKFC president Dave Feldman said bringing Mike Perry back does not make financial sense for the promotion right now.
Feldman said BKFC is selling tickets through homegrown talent rather than relying on major crossover names.
He cited sales of 14,000 tickets at Fenway Park and an expected 18,000 in Philadelphia without a “huge name” on the card.
Perry recently said he is moving on from bare-knuckle fighting and focusing on MMA.
Feldman said Perry received an offer he could not refuse and wished him well.
- Who
- Mike Perry and BKFC president Dave Feldman.
- What
- Feldman said Perry’s return is too costly for BKFC right now. Perry is moving on from bare-knuckle fighting to focus on MMA.
- When
- Feldman’s comments were reported on November 1, 2026. Perry has not fought for BKFC in over a year.
- Where
- Fenway Park and Philadelphia were cited as examples of BKFC ticket sales.
- Why
- Feldman said the cost of bringing Perry back does not make financial sense, as BKFC is selling tickets with homegrown talent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Perry lost to Brandon Jenkins in an MMA fight.
Perry stopped Jeremy Stephens in a marquee matchup.
Perry confirmed he is moving on from bare-knuckle fighting and focusing on MMA.
Bloody Elbow published Feldman’s comments on the cost of bringing Perry back.
- Fenway Park ticket sales
- 14,000 tickets sold
- Philadelphia expected ticket sales
- 18,000
- Perry’s BKFC status
- Has not fought for the promotion in over a year
- Perry’s latest reported MMA loss
- Lost to Brandon Jenkins in August
- BKFC president
- Dave Feldman
1 source
What people are saying
the money that it costs to bring Mike Perry back to BKFC, doesn’t make a lot of sense for us right now.
homegrown talent is doing it now.
I wish him the best.
he got an unbelievable offer and that should be announced pretty soon.