BKFC 41: Mike Perry vs. Luke Rockhold preview and prediction
A preview and prediction for the BFKC 41 main event.
Bare knuckle boxing seems to be picking up steam once again and BKFC is definitely the place you need to check out if the oldest form of combat sports is growing on you. This Saturday, April 29, BKFC returns with BKFC 41 live from the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado, where 'Platinum' Mike Perry (2-0 in BKFC) will welcome the debuting...former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold?
That's right folks, the main event this weekend sees a matchup that any MMA fan would not have seen coming ever. Mike Perry, a lifelong welterweight and sometimes lightweight, will go up to 185 pounds (light heavyweight in BKFC) to face Rockhold at his desired weight class. Not that it really matters for Perry.
A man who was almost destined to end up at BKFC, Perry has quickly established himself as one of the biggest star's of the ever-growing company. In August 2022, he shocked the world when he defeated Michael Venom Page in London by a majority decision in a competitive bout.
He faces another huge test, this one both in size and talent-level, when he clashes with Rockhold this weekend. He might be making his BKFC debut but make no mistake, Rockhold seems game to step back into action following his extremely weird retirement fight against Paulo Costa last year and he's shown the hands to put away any opponent. Opponents much bigger than Mike Perry.
BKFC 41: Mike Perry vs. Luke Rockhold prediction
This is a very difficult fight to pick for a number of reasons. First, the size disparity is noticeable. Sure, Perry probably walks around 185 pounds but Rockhold is cutting down to make the weight. His last professional fight was contested at 205 pounds and he has a 6-inch height advantage over Perry. Perry is game for any fight, anywhere but is he biting off more than he can chew?
What probably gives Perry the advantage in this one is that he has the experience of competing under the BKFC banner. It might only be two fights but that's two more than Rockhold and one thing we know for sure is that unless he is truly unconscious, there's no way Perry won't keep coming back to either dish or receive more damage.
It really comes down to size vs. (limited) experience. I doubt many people are picking Perry but I expect him to use his boxing, which is certainly better than Rockhold's, to get on the inside and work the body. Rockhold is likely to head hunt from the second the fight starts as he looks to make a statement and Perry will likely take it before the bigger man gasses out. Perry picks up the most impressive win of his career with a late stoppage win over the former UFC champion.
Prediction: Mike Perry by 5th round KO/TKO
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