Mike “Platinum” Perry: The Fighter-Promoter Back at BKFC 82
As the spotlight intensifies toward BKFC 82, Mike “Platinum” Perry is poised for a defining moment in the ring while simultaneously steering a rising force in combat sports behind the scenes. Represented by First Round Management, Perry’s dual roles as elite bare-knuckle athlete and co-founder of Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX) with Jon Jones make him a unique figure in modern combat sports.
BKFC 82: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens
Set for October 4, 2025, at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, BKFC 82 will feature Perry defending his King of Violence crown against veteran firebrand Jeremy Stephens.
Perry enters with an undefeated BKFC record (5-0), including highlight finishes over marquee opponents like Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, and Thiago Alves. He last competed in BKFC at Knucklemania IV (April 2024), stopping Alves early. Since then, he ventured into boxing in a high-profile matchup with Jake Paul, before heading back into bare knuckle.
Jeremy Stephens arrives to stake his claim, also undefeated in BKFC (3-0) with momentum from his stoppage win over Eddie Alvarez at Knucklemania V. A
In the buildup, tensions flare. At a recent press conference, Conor McGregor, part owner of BKFC, warned Perry the promotion might part ways with him if he underperforms. But Perry pushed back, reminding everyone of his self-made status and his value as a draw. Meanwhile, the face-offs between Stephens and Perry have already nearly boiled over into physical altercations, underlining how personal this matchup feels for both sides.
Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX)
While Perry prepares for war under bare knuckle, he also carries the mantle of promoter. Together with Jon Jones, Perry co-owns Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX) a fast-rising hybrid striking promotion that is revolutionizing combat sports by putting a unique spin on the ancient art of boxing and establishing the first modern dirty boxing organization.
Launched in 2024, DBX has grabbed attention for its bold rule set: 4-ounce gloves, allowance of Superman punches, spinning backfists, standing ground-and-pound, elbows, and traditional strikes all in a tighter ring designed to amplify action. Its goal: to break the mold of standard boxing or MMA and deliver non-stop, visceral fights for modern audiences.
The next chapter of DBX unfolds on October 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee for DBX 4. The marquee clash will be Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson making his DBX debut against Bellator veteran Billy Swanson. In a compelling supporting matchup, Bryan Battle (a rising star from MMA turned DBX) returns against Nate Diaz protégé Nicholas Kohring.
DBX promises to stream globally (via YouTube) at 7:00 p.m. CT, with limited Jon Jones meet & greet packages available. Jones himself has emphasized Nashville’s energy as a perfect expansion market for the brand.