Mike Perry (fighter)

Mike Perry (born September 15, 1991) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Perry was born in Flint, Michigan, and grew up there with his father, who was in the Navy, and Apopka, Florida with his mother. Perry also has two sisters and one brother. As one of the few white students in the schools he attended, Perry learned to defend himself from a young age. Perry started training at age 11, and was an amateur Muay Thai state champion in Florida.

Early career

Perry made his professional debut in September 2014, after completing 11 amateur fights with a record of 8-3. He competed for several regional promotions across United States. In just under 2 years, he fought 9 times while finishing all of his opponents via KO/TKO.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Perry made his UFC debut on short notice against Lim Hyun-gyu on August 20, 2016 at UFC 202, after Sultan Aliev pulled out due to injury. At the official weigh-ins Perry faked a handshake with Lim then put his hands up like an old school boxer and screamed passionately in his opponent's direction. He defeated Lim via TKO in the first round after Perry dropped him twice with right hands, dropped him again with a left hook and then followed up with ground and pound before the referee jumped in to wave it off.

Perry faced Danny Roberts on October 8, 2016 at UFC 204. At the official weigh-ins Perry took a bite from a bar of chocolate and then told Roberts he was going to eat him alive. He defeated Roberts via KO late in the third round after Perry hurt him with a knee from the clinch, dropped him with a right hand and then followed up with ground and pound before the referee jumped in to wave it off. The referee Marc Goddard appeared to stop the fight very late, issuing an apology after the event via twitter.

Perry faced Alan Jouban, on December 17, 2016 at UFC on Fox 22. At the official weigh-ins Perry took a polaroid photo of Jouban and then tried to hand the photo to him as they traded words, but Jouban slapped it away with his hand and Perry aggressively feigned movement towards him while sticking his tongue out. As Perry walked off the stage, Jouban simulated a kick in his direction that had no chance of hitting the target.He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Perry faced Jake Ellenberger on April 22, 2017 at UFC Fight Night 108. He defeated Ellenberger via KO in the second round after Perry dropped him with a left hook early in round 2 then finished with a standing elbow from the clinch 30 seconds later. Perry was awarded a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.