Mike Perry Believes UFC Is Delaying Conor McGregor's Return

Mike Perry, known as the "King of Violence" in BKFC, has openly expressed his desire to see Conor McGregor back in the Octagon as soon as possible. However, Perry firmly believes that the UFC is intentionally hindering McGregor's return to active competition.

Meanwhile, Perry himself is gearing up for his MMA comeback on May 16, marking his return after an almost five-year hiatus. He is scheduled to face Nate Diaz as part of a major event featuring Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano, which will be streamed live on Netflix.

During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Perry delivered a lighthearted jab at McGregor concerning his potential fight with Diaz:

"Conor's punching the air right now, because me and Nate [Diaz] are fighting instead of his trilogy. [Imitates McGregor] Damn Platinum Perry, King of Violence, stealing my shine in bare-knuckle. He's never fought anyone in bare-knuckle."

Rumors had initially circulated about a third bout between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz to complete their highly anticipated trilogy. However, with Diaz now opting to participate in a high-profile event outside the UFC, the promotion might be reluctant to welcome him back into their fold.

Perry went on to commend McGregor, acknowledging that the Irishman is making every effort to return to the UFC in 2026, but suggests the promotion is "giving him a hard time":

"Conor, the world is excited to see you back in the ring. I know you are working on it. I know you are trying. I know the UFC is giving you a hard time. We are all looking forward to seeing him back in the ring."

Mike Perry Challenges Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor had previously indicated his interest in competing on the UFC Freedom 250 card, but the official lineup for June 14 has already been set, and his name is conspicuously absent.

The 37-year-old fighter is now expected to make his comeback during International Fight Week in July. McGregor's manager met with UFC executives earlier this month, but there has been no official announcement regarding the outcome of those negotiations or the identity of "The Notorious'" next opponent.

Mike Perry believes that a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, which many fans eagerly awaited as the conclusion to the TUF 31 saga, no longer seems relevant. He then added:

"He [Conor McGregor] could fight me in Bare Knuckle, maybe if he wanted."

McGregor, who holds a partial ownership stake in BKFC, has previously expressed interest in participating in bare-knuckle boxing matches in the future and has indicated a willingness to face BKFC's "King of Violence."

For the time being, the former two-division UFC champion, who has two fights remaining on his current contract, is intensely focused on making his return to the Octagon this year. He has reportedly undergone extensive testing, making him the most tested UFC fighter in 2026, and is rigorously training, ready to face any adversary.