Conor McGregor Pressures Mike Perry Ahead of BKFC 82: 'If You Don’t Perform, You’re Gone'

Perry’s Return to Bareknuckle

Saturday will mark Perry’s first bareknuckle appearance since April 2024, when he scored a knockout win over Thiago Alves. That victory established him as BKFC’s biggest star, but Perry later stepped outside the promotion for a boxing match against Jake Paul, a fight he lost by TKO.

McGregor bristled at Perry’s decision to chase boxing money, even announcing at one point that Perry was “fired” from BKFC. His tone Thursday suggested Perry’s leash is still short.

Title Implications

BKFC president David Feldman hinted that the Perry-Stephens winner could face middleweight champion Dave Mundell, though he stressed that fights must “move the needle.”

When Perry expressed interest in a potential future matchup with Dillon Danis, McGregor quickly interrupted.

“You’ve got to f*cking fight for that world title, Mike,” McGregor snapped. “You’ve never been a world champion here. So you’re in here saying you’re this and you’re that. You’re no world champion. … Your next fight is for a world title. That will move the needle. If you get through this, it’s got to be for the world title.”

What’s at Stake at BKFC 82

• Mike Perry (5-0 BKFC): Undefeated in bareknuckle, but coming off a boxing loss to Jake Paul. Saturday is a chance to re-establish dominance under BKFC rules.

• Jeremy Stephens (0-0 BKFC debut): The longtime UFC knockout artist brings name value and dangerous hands to his promotional debut.

• BKFC’s “King of Violence” title: A new crown designed to highlight Perry’s star power — or perhaps pass it to Stephens if he delivers an upset.

With McGregor applying pressure and BKFC eager to build momentum, Perry has little room for error. If he wins, the “King of Violence” could be parlayed into a legitimate world title opportunity. If he loses, McGregor’s words suggest the doors to BKFC’s biggest stage may slam shut.