There is a new promising fighter in the UFC's welterweight division, and his name is "Platinum" Mike Perry. Last Saturday, Perry improved his overall record to 11-1 after knocking out Alex Reyes at UFC Fight Night 116. He is now 4-1 in the UFC, with his only loss coming via unanimous decision versus Alan Jouban in December 2016.
Following another impressive victory, Perry issued a challenge to one of the best welterweights in the world. In his post-fight interview, the 26-year-old called out the former champion of the division, Robbie Lawler. "I'll give you a name right now because I know you're gonna ask.
Everybody wants to see me beat up Robbie Lawler," Perry told the UFC's Jon Anik.
Before Lawler, Perry also mentioned another top fighter he would want to face in the octagon. In an interview with TMZ ahead of his bout with Reyes, the contender from Altamonte, Florida said he aims to take on Conor McGregor. The pride of Ireland is currently the UFC lightweight champion.
Conor McGregor
In Perry's time speaking to TMZ, he expressed the desire to go toe-to-toe with McGregor for the money. Perry understands that he is bigger, though he mentioned that the lightweight champ has competed at welterweight in the past. McGregor fought his rival Nate Diaz at 170 pounds twice.
Perry is confident he will defeat McGregor, and he is willing for the fight to happen in Ireland.
He believes he can knock out the UFC superstar and be the "new king of Dublin."
Robbie Lawler
A Perry-Lawler contest is going to be a barnburner. Both are brawlers who are not afraid to stand and bang. They are also two of the top finishers at welterweight. The potential clash between Perry and Lawler could also determine the new No.
1 contender for the welterweight crown. The present champion of the division is Tyron Woodley.
As of the moment, Lawler is yet to respond to Perry. The 35-year-old veteran is coming off a huge victory over Donald Cerrone at UFC 214 in July. It is uncertain if the UFC is going to consider matching up Lawler and Perry. Based on the promotion's rankings, Lawler is the no.
1 ranked welterweight, just behind Woodley.
It is likely that his next outing will be against another top contender or Woodley. Perry, on the other hand, is yet to reach the top 15. The best possible scenario for him is a fight versus someone ranked from nos. 6-15. In that group, there are familiar names like Cerrone, Carlos Condit, Neil Magny, Gunnar Nelson, and Dong Hyun Kim.
