INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Mike Perry proved Saturday night that his violent resurgence in combat sports is very real. In the co-main event of Rousey vs. Carano at Intuit Dome, Perry overwhelmed Nate Diaz with relentless pressure and brutal striking before Diaz’s corner stopped the fight after Round 2.
The welterweight clash matched the creator of the UFC’s BMF title against BKFC’s reigning “King of Violence” champion and Perry left no doubt who owned the violence Saturday night.
From the opening bell, Perry charged forward aggressively, attacking Diaz with hooks, kicks, knees and constant pressure. Diaz initially attempted to slow the momentum with clinches and a hip toss to the canvas, but Perry immediately resumed his assault once the fight returned to the feet.
Late in the opening round, Perry badly hurt Diaz with a crushing right hook before dropping him with a knee to the face.
The punishment only intensified in Round 2. Perry battered Diaz with punches, elbows and knees while opening a gruesome cut that left blood pouring down Diaz’s face and onto the canvas. Though Diaz showed trademark toughness by surviving the round, the damage was too severe for his corner to allow him to continue.
Perry Continues Career Reinvention
Mike Perry has completely reinvented himself since leaving the UFC in 2021. Since transitioning to bare-knuckle boxing under Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Perry has become one of combat sports’ most entertaining action fighters.
His resume now includes victories over:
- Michael Page
- Luke Rockhold
- Eddie Alvarez
- Jeremy Stephens
Saturday’s dominant performance over Diaz only elevated his profile further. “I hit him with really good shots,” Perry said afterward. “He’s tough and there’s no quit in him.”
Difficult Return for Diaz
For Nate Diaz, the fight marked his first MMA appearance since submitting Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 back in 2022.
Since leaving the UFC, Diaz competed in boxing matches against:
- Jake Paul
- Jorge Masvidal
But against Perry’s nonstop aggression, the 41-year-old struggled to keep pace physically. Still, Diaz remained defiant afterward. “He hit me with everything he had,” Diaz said. “I’ll get his ass next time.”
Intuit Dome Crowd Falls Silent
The heavily pro-Diaz crowd initially erupted throughout the fight, especially whenever Diaz landed combinations or survived difficult moments. But Perry’s relentless attack eventually silenced the arena as Diaz absorbed more punishment with each passing exchange. By the end of Round 2, the visual damage told the story.
Mike Perry continues proving he is one of the most dangerous action fighters in combat sports. After dismantling one of MMA’s most beloved cult figures on a global stage, Perry’s stock may now be higher than ever.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
