Mike Perry accepted an MMA bout with Nate Diaz — announced by Most Valuable Promotions for the undercard of Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano on May 16 — instead of a BKFC offer, a choice BKFC boss David Feldman said cost the promotion a major opportunity. Feldman said Perry turned down BKFC’s offer and that the organization had a “really big planned” fight for him, but that BKFC was not involved in the Diaz deal; he added their relationship “remains good” while saying he wished Perry had trusted BKFC’s plan.

Feldman argued the Perry–Diaz matchup would have been better as a bare-knuckle contest, saying it would have been “100 percent better,” that marketing it under bare-knuckle rules “would have got 10 times the hype,” and calling the potential pairing “a bloodbath.” He characterized Perry’s decision as a missed promotional opportunity for BKFC and highlighted the perceived commercial and spectacle advantages of bare-knuckle rules for that matchup.

The Diaz fight was promoted by MVP, with co-owner Jake Paul fronting the promotion and emphasizing that MMA fighters would be paid well; Perry was expected to receive a significant payday for the matchup. Observers noted a victory over Diaz would raise Perry’s market stock, while a loss likely would not destroy his appeal because he is known for delivering exciting fights. The episode underscored the promotional dynamics between BKFC and MVP and the implications of Perry’s choice for his short-term future, earning potential and public profile.

Sources