In a bold move that has set the combat sports world abuzz, BKFC star Mike “Platinum” Perry has thrown down the gauntlet to former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, challenging the retired legend to step into the bareknuckle arena. The callout took place at Saturday’s BKFC Hollywood event, where Perry seized the spotlight to issue his challenge.
Should 42-year-old Robbie Lawler end retirement and answer Mike Perry’s BKFC callout? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/xPrhCgxeJX
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 23, 2024
Perry, known for his no-holds-barred fighting style and brash personality, didn’t mince words as he addressed Lawler, who was seated ringside. “Who should face me next? I see Robbie Lawler in the crowd and I think he should take the gloves off, and he should step inside the squared circle against ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry,” Perry declared, his voice echoing through the venue.
The 33-year-old Perry has been on a tear since joining BKFC, amassing an impressive 5-0 record in the promotion. His success in bareknuckle boxing has elevated his status in the combat sports world, making him one of BKFC’s most prominent figures. Perry’s call for a fight with Lawler is not just a spur-of-the-moment decision; it’s a challenge he’s been itching to make since his UFC days back in 2017.
Lawler, affectionately known as “Ruthless” by fans, is a revered figure in MMA circles. At 42 years old, the former UFC welterweight champion hung up his gloves in July 2023 after a spectacular 39-second knockout victory over Niko Price at UFC 290. Lawler’s career is studded with memorable battles, including his epic wars with Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit, which are etched in UFC lore.
However, the ball is now in Lawler’s court. The seasoned veteran appeared unimpressed by Perry’s callout, maintaining his characteristic stoic demeanor as the challenge was issued2. The question remains whether Lawler, who has already cemented his legacy in MMA, would be willing to come out of retirement for a foray into the brutal world of bareknuckle boxing.
For BKFC, a Perry vs. Lawler matchup would be a massive coup. It would not only bring mainstream attention to the promotion but also potentially lure other high-profile fighters to test their mettle in the world of bareknuckle fighting. The clash of Perry’s raw aggression and Lawler’s battle-tested experience could produce a spectacle that transcends the boundaries between MMA and bareknuckle boxing.
As the combat sports community eagerly awaits Lawler’s response, one thing is clear: Mike Perry continues to be a driving force in BKFC, pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. Whether or not this dream matchup materializes, Perry’s audacious callout has once again demonstrated why he’s become one of the most talked-about figures in combat sports.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be filled with speculation and anticipation. Will Robbie Lawler answer the call and step into the BKFC ring, or will Mike Perry’s challenge go unanswered? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain – the world of bareknuckle boxing is watching with bated breath.
