Mike Perry Eyes UFC Return and a White House Fight Card

“Platinum” Mike Perry may have reinvented himself as one of combat sports’ most unpredictable stars. But he’s not done chasing big moments and few would be bigger than a return to the UFC for its historic White House event in 2026.

The former UFC welterweight turned bare-knuckle phenom. Says he recently spoke to UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard about a comeback fight. But only under one condition: the chance to compete on the card that’s expected to take place on the South Lawn of the White House next summer.

“I want on the White House card,” Perry told Uncrowned. “You come to America and I feel like I’m a very exciting fighter that would love to fight at the White House with the country flag, representing.”

From the Octagon to BKFC Stardom

Since departing the UFC in 2021. Perry (7-8 UFC, 6-0 BKFC) has become the face of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Racking up highlight-reel wins and emerging as one of the sport’s most bankable stars. His unbeaten run includes a fifth-round stoppage over fellow UFC veteran Jeremy Stephens earlier this year a victory he credits with reigniting his passion for competition.

Stephens’ own post-UFC success culminating in a one-off return to the promotion before rejoining BKFC  gave Perry the idea that his own comeback might not be so far-fetched.

“I’m a tough fighter. I’m very interested in it,” Perry said. “Back in the day, I watched PRIDE and UFC guys go back and forth ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Wanderlei Silva that’s what made me want to fight. I bounced out. I beat Jeremy. He got to go back. So why not me?”

“I’m Not Asking for McGregor Money”

When asked what it would take to make a UFC return possible, Perry was characteristically candid. He laughed off Conor McGregor’s rumored $100 million demand for the White House card but hinted he’d be willing to fight for “less than half of that.”

“The White House just sounded fun,” Perry joked. “I heard some numbers Conor was talking about, and I’m not asking for that. I’d be a fun draw on the card representing the USA.”

Though Perry has been outspoken about his strong earnings with BKFC. He admits the allure of history and the spectacle of fighting at one of the most famous landmarks in the world  might be enough to tempt him back.

Outside of the UFC, Perry says he’s still exploring other blockbuster options, including a potential showdown with Nate Diaz a fight he’d like to host under his own Dirty Boxing (DBX) promotion.

“I would like to offer Nate Diaz to fight me in DBX,” Perry said. “That’s a good spot for that fight, but if he would prefer it be boxing, I mean, he did a boxing match against Jorge Masvidal.”

The crossover fight could serve as both a major pay-per-view attraction and a bridge between BKFC, traditional boxing, and the newly emerging “dirty boxing” hybrid format Perry helped popularize.

What’s Next for “Platinum”

Despite his flirtation with a UFC return, Perry says BKFC remains his most likely destination. The promotion has reportedly offered him a lucrative deal for an early 2026 fight, potentially in London or Miami.

“Most likely best option, BKFC is going to come to the table with the best offer, to be honest,” Perry said. “I just prepare for that and my return fight may be early next year.”

Still, Perry’s willingness to take on any format, under any ruleset. Keeps him among the most versatile and unpredictable fighters in combat sports today. Whether it’s bare-knuckle brawls, hybrid boxing events, or a UFC comeback under the White House lights, “Platinum” Mike Perry remains as chaotic and compelling as ever.

“You want to make history at the White House? Let ‘Platinum’ represent the red, white, and blue.”