Previous UFC Champion Receives BKFC Challenge, High Possibility of Ensuing Contest
Generally speaking, if someone from Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) challenges a UFC champion, it's usually considered a long shot. The UFC rarely participates in cross-promotional events.
However, on a recent Saturday, "Platinum" Mike Perry called out former UFC welterweight champion "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler, and there are several reasons why this could turn out to be more than just empty talk.
In case you missed it, here's Perry's callout during BKFC: Hollywood at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on Saturday night.
First, Perry has moved past the stage in his career where he makes reckless challenges for attention that have no chance of materializing. He's now aiming to launch his own combat sports promotion, Dirty Boxing, and he's figured out how to leverage his fame for profit.
If he's challenging Lawler to a bare-knuckle fight, it's likely because he's received some indication that it's a viable option.
Second, Lawler was present at the event, which suggests he was aware that Perry was going to call him out. This could mean there's already a deal in the works.
The point of the challenge could have been to stir up interest. Given the current quiet period for the UFC, it's a good time to bring this up.
Lastly, bare-knuckle fighting seems like it was made for Lawler. Lawler is currently not under contract with the UFC, which should make cross-promotion and the UFC's strict rules less of an issue.
Lawler's fighting style fits well with bare-knuckle fighting, which is characterized by its brutality and highlights Lawler's love for stand-up fights.
It could be argued that Perry vs. Lawler is the biggest bare-knuckle fight BKFC has ever promoted—if it actually happens.
Perry hasn't competed since losing to Jake Paul in a boxing match in July. Shortly after the loss, BKFC's part-owner and former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor apparently "fired" Perry on social media. However, Perry has continued to attend BKFC events and even called out Lawler in the ring on Saturday night with a microphone. There's a strong chance that this could develop into something significant in the world of BKFC.
I'll be keeping an eye on developments in this story over the next few months. Don't be surprised if this event takes place sometime in the spring. Here are the results from BKFC: Hollywood.
BKFC on DAZN: Hollywood Results
- Mike Richman defeated Jared Warren via KO in Round 1 (0:44)
- Wins BKFC World Light-Heavyweight Title
- Christine Ferea defeated Christine Vicens via TKO in Round 4 (1:22)
- Defends BKFC World Women’s Flyweight Title
- Leonardo Perdomo defeated Levi Costa via KO in Round 1 (0:47)
- Bryan Duran defeated Kasim Ruffin via TKO in Round 1 (1:59)
- Gee Perez defeated Cary Caprio via TKO in Round 1 (0:44)
- Justin Ibarrola defeated Derek Perez via TKO in Round 2 (1:04)
- Edgard Plazaola defeated Alex Castro via KO in Round 4 (1:25)
- Sabah Homasi defeated Eduardo Peralta via KO in Round 2 (1:02)
- Tyler Randall defeated Austin Lewis via KO in Round 1 (1:46)
- Francesco Ricchi defeated Blake LaCaze via Unanimous Decision (50-43x2, 48-45)
- Brock Walker defeated Chino Bloom via KO in Round 4 (1:04)
- Despite Conor McGregor apparently "firing" Mike Perry on social media after Perry's loss to Jake Paul, Perry continued to attend BKFC events and even issued a challenge to former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler during BKFC: Hollywood at the Hard Rock Casino.
- The UFC rarely participates in cross-promotional events, but the potential bare-knuckle fight between Perry and Lawler could be a significant development in the world of BKFC, especially given Lawler's current status as being not under contract with the UFC.
- During the BKFC: Hollywood event, Perry called out Lawler for a bare-knuckle fight, and Lawler's fighting style fits well with the brutality of bare-knuckle fighting, which could make this potential matchup one of the biggest in BKFC history.
