Mike Perry confirmed on The Ariel Helwani Show that he is taking a financial step down to compete against Dillon Danis at Dual Arena 1, set for August 29th at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.
Perry acknowledged the pay reduction plainly: “Maybe it is less, a little bit less money, but it’s a great opponent.”
The matchup came together quickly, with Perry noting the deal was finalized just days before the announcement. His management team, First Round Management, had a pre-existing relationship with the promoter behind Dual Arena, which helped fast-track negotiations.
The bout will take place at 170 lbs (77.1 kg) and is a professional MMA matchup contested in a ring rather than a cage.
Perry said the ring format suits him fine: “You put me in a combat match and I’m coming for blood.”
He also noted the ring could work in his favor, making takedowns harder for Danis to land.
Perry’s game plan centers on keeping the matchup standing.
“I believe I’m going to stuff his takedowns. I believe I’m going to stop him from being able to get me to the ground,” he said.
He has been putting in grappling work at Fusion XL in Central Florida and is confident heading into camp despite a recent vacation in Italy.
“I’m going to focus on Dual Arena 1, set this company up for their new promotion, and we’re doing it here at home,” he said.
When asked whether there was any concern Danis might not show up on match night, Perry was straightforward.
“It’s possible that he doesn’t,” he said, adding that he had even considered Jason Jackson as a potential replacement.
Still, Perry expects Danis to make the walk: “I think he comes. I think he wants to put on a match. I think he’s trying to get paid and feed his family as well.”
Perry also addressed the UFC briefly, confirming the organization had conversations with his team following his matchup against Nate Diaz. While open to returning, he was clear about the financial reality.
He said, “I’m sure I would take a bit of a pay cut to go back to the UFC, but I don’t know how big that pay cut is. I’m taking one now to compete against Dillon Danis.”
