Nate Diaz Makes Shocking Move To Face Mike Perry In Pro Fight
By 813 Staff
This isn’t just another rumor about Nate Diaz fighting outside the UFC. We’ve heard those for years, often ending in stalled negotiations or social media posturing. This time, league sources confirm the framework of a deal is actually in place, and the intent is to make it a sanctioned professional bout, not another celebrity boxing match or a one-off exhibition. The target, as first reported by Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight), is a showdown with the ever-dangerous Mike Perry, a pairing that immediately shifts from fantasy to a very plausible, and violent, reality.
The key detail, and what separates this from the noise, is the pursuit of a professional license. Those close to the situation say Diaz’s team is adamant about this point, wanting the result to count on his official record. This isn’t about a paycheck alone; it’s about legacy and sport. Perry, who has carved a brutal and successful path in bare-knuckle boxing with BKFC, would presumably be returning to the gloves for such a contest. The logistical hurdles are significant—weight class, promotion, and athletic commission approval all remain to be finalized—but the mutual agreement to fight is described by one source as “solid.”
Why does this matter? For Diaz, it represents the first real step in crafting a post-UFC career on his own terms, against the kind of aggressive, fan-friendly opponent that guarantees action. For Perry, it’s a chance to leverage his BKFC fame back into the mainstream MMA conversation against a global star. For fans, it’s a dream matchup that the UFC never made, a pure style clash between Diaz’s volume boxing and granite chin and Perry’s concussive, forward-pressure power. The business implications are also substantial, likely triggering a bidding war among promoters eager to host an event with this kind of built-in appeal.
What happens next is all about the paperwork. The front office has been quietly reaching out to potential promotional partners, with the expectation that an official announcement could come within the next several weeks. The major uncertainty is where this lands—whether under the banner of a major MMA promotion, a boxing entity, or a hybrid player like the PFL. The targeted timeframe, according to insiders, is for this summer. While contracts are not yet signed, the momentum is undeniable. This fight has moved from the realm of Twitter speculation to the desks of lawyers and executives, which is usually the final step before the cage door locks.
Source: https://x.com/Home_of_Fight/status/2033581375232655426
