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Mike Perry delivered a devastating Round 2 TKO over Nate Diaz last night at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The co-main event of MVP MMA 1 saw Perry dominate with a brutal beating that forced Diaz’s corner to stop the bloodied challenge. It was a career resurgence moment for Perry, who called out Jake Paul for an MMA rematch after the dominant victory.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winner: Mike Perry by TKO after Round 2 corner stoppage, May 16, 2026
- Event: MVP MMA 1 co-main event at Intuit Dome, Los Angeles
- Perry Record: 14-8 MMA professional record before this fight
- Diaz Status: First MMA bout in nearly 4 years, was bleeding heavily before stoppage
Perry Dominates from the Opening Bell with Relentless Striking
Mike Perry came out with explosive aggression from the opening bell. The BKFC King of Violence champion charged at Diaz with powerful hooks, kicks, and body shots that immediately put the Stockton legend on the defensive. Diaz attempted to counter with a hip toss to take the fight to the mat, but Perry responded with devastating hooks that doubled Diaz over. Perry rocked his opponent with a powerful right hook and finished the round by dropping Diaz with a knee strike to the face.
The first round established complete control, with Perry showcasing superior striking combinations. Though tiring from his aggressiveness, Perry landed consistently on Diaz’s head and body. Diaz managed to land a combination that briefly rocked Perry, but the momentum remained firmly with the BKFC veteran as they headed to the crucial second round.
Perry vs Diaz: Mike Perry defeats Nate Diaz by TKO in Round 2 at Intuit Dome
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Round 2 Bloodbath Ends with Corner Stoppage and Nasty Gash
The second round was a one-sided assault. Perry continued his relentless offensive with punches, elbows, and knees, completely overwhelming the fatigued Diaz. The BKFC star continued to slam strikes even as his own energy depleted, focused solely on the finish. A brutal exchange resulted in Perry opening a nasty gash on Diaz’s head, causing blood to pour down his face and onto the canvas.
Recognizing the severity of the injury and his fighter’s condition, Diaz’s corner made the decision to stop the fight at the end of round two. A wobbled Diaz made it to his stool but was too beaten and bloodied to continue to round three. The fight was officially called off, giving Perry a decisive TKO victory in front of the packed Intuit Dome crowd on what aired live on Netflix.
Perry’s Career Resurgence and BKFC Success
Perry’s career has experienced significant resurgence since departing the United States from traditional MMA. The fighter joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship where he compiled an impressive 6-0 record and secured the symbolic King of Violence championship. He has recorded brutal knockout victories over Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Jeremy Stephens, establishing himself as a terrifying force in bare-knuckle competition. His previous fight was a knockout loss to Jake Paul in 2024, a result that fueled tension between the two fighters. Last night’s victory represents Perry’s triumphant return to traditional MMA after achieving dominance in alternative fighting formats.
| Factor | Perry | Diaz |
| Record | 14-8 (BKFC 6-0) | 21-13 |
| Last MMA Fight | BKFC Competition | Sept 2022 vs Ferguson |
| Key Advantage | Recent activity, striking power | Experience, 4-year absence |
| Result | TKO Victory | Corner Stoppage |
“I hit him with really good shots. I was getting really tired, but I kept hitting him. He’s tough and there’s no quit in him. We got the job done tonight.”
— Mike Perry, after defeating Nate Diaz
Perry Calls Out Jake Paul for MMA Rematch in the Cage
In a stunning post-fight moment, Perry immediately called out Jake Paul for a rematch, but this time in MMA competition. Perry declared he wanted to settle the score with the YouTuber-turned-boxer in traditional mixed martial arts where grappling and submissions are allowed. According to reports, Jake Paul, who served as a promoter for the MVP MMA 1 event, acknowledged the challenge and showed willingness to entertain the bout. This represents a significant development for all three fighters, as Paul has dominated in boxing against notable combat sports figures, but has never competed in professional MMA.
The dynamic between Perry, Diaz, and Paul now represents a compelling triangle of potential matchups. Diaz has previously competed in boxing matches against both Paul (a decision loss in 2023) and Jorge Masvidal (majority decision win in 2024). Perry’s aggressive callout suggests confidence that his combat skills would translate better in MMA than they did in professional boxing.
What’s Next for MVP MMA 1 and Combat Sports Headlines?
The victory capped an explosive evening for Most Valuable Promotions, which delivered its inaugural card with multiple stunning finishes and personality-driven moments. Ronda Rousey dominated Gina Carano in the main event in just 17 seconds, showcasing why the former UFC legend remains a formidable force. Beyond the headlines of the main card, Perry’s triumphant return to MMA and his immediate callout of Paul signals that MVP’s strategy of blending celebrity appeal with legitimate combat sports competition is working. Will Perry, Diaz, and Paul continue to push the boundaries of cross-sport competition, or will traditional MMA athletes once again dominate the promotional landscape?
Sources
- ESPN – Comprehensive fight coverage and Perry post-fight quotes regarding his victory over Diaz
- Yahoo Sports – Detailed reporting on Perry’s TKO victory and his Jake Paul callout following the event
- Forbes – Analysis of Perry’s career resurgence and implications for future MMA matchups
