For a period of time, it looked as though Mike Perry
would have a long-term place in the UFC based on his reputation as
an action fighter alone.
Lately, however, the welterweight has not been competitive, and
losses in four of his last five Octagon appearances — along with
numerous issues outside of the cage — have put his future with the
Las Vegas-based promotion in doubt. Perry was bloodied and battered
in his latest outing, dropping a three-round verdict to Daniel
Rodriguez in a featured affair at UFC on ABC 2 this past
Saturday.
By the end of the contest, Perry had a cut and swelling near his
left eye mand his already disfigured nose looked like it might have
been broken again. More importantly, Perry didn’t offer much for
his opponent outside of a successful takedown late in Round 1, as
he was outlanded by a lopsided 129-to-61 count in signficant
strikes.
While expressing confusing regarding his latest struggles, Perry
revealed in a post-fight statement that he has one bout remaining
on his current UFC deal.
“I [used] to be great. [I don’t know] what happened,” Perry wrote.
“I have a fight left on my contract. I’ll train hard, I’ll give it
my all for my family. Whatever I have to do to give them a better
life. I’ll bleed every day for them if I have to.”
After operating as an independent fighter with girlfirend Latory
Gonzalez as his lone corner, Perry found a training home at MMA
Masters in Miami, and he also claimed to have found new purpose
following the recent birth of his son.“Platinum” has won just three
of 10 promotional appearances after beginning his tenure with wins
in four of his first five bouts.