Darren Till Is Ready for a 2-Fight Showdown with ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry, But There’s Just One Small Issue in the Way

A Beef Brewing for Years

Some rivalries in MMA come and go. Others, like the tension between Darren Till and Mike Perry, just never seem to cool off. If you’ve followed either fighter over the past few years, chances are you’ve caught wind of their ongoing feud—whether it’s through fiery social media exchanges, backstage face-offs, or the now-infamous sparring invitation that never quite came to life. Well, according to Till, he’s not just down for a fight—he’s game for two. Yes, you heard that right. The former UFC welterweight contender wants to throw down with Perry not once, but twice. But before fans get their popcorn ready, there’s a bit of a catch…

Ready to Dance, Wherever It May Be

Darren Till isn't exactly shy when it comes to hyping up a fight. Known for his confidence and straight-shooting talk, the Liverpool native recently made it crystal clear: he’s ready to take on Mike Perry—whether it's in the UFC Octagon or Perry’s current home, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). "I’ll fight him in BKFC, I’ll fight him in UFC—whatever," Till stated in a recent interview. "Let’s do one in the UFC, then one in BKFC. That would settle it once and for all." Pretty bold, right? It’s rare to see an MMA fighter willing to cross over into the realm of bare-knuckle boxing, let alone propose a two-fight series that spans both platforms. But Till appears undeterred. The motive? A little bad blood—and a lot of unfinished business.

The Complication: Contracts and Commitments

So what’s stopping this fan-fueled dream matchup from becoming a reality? In one word: contracts. Till is currently a free agent after parting ways with the UFC earlier this year. Perry, on the other hand, has found newfound success (and a lot of fan attention) over in BKFC, where he seems to be thriving. He’s already racked up big wins, and his bruising, brawling style is tailor-made for bare-knuckle battles. This means negotiating a two-fight deal between two fighters attached to different worlds—one foot in traditional MMA and the other in the wild, gritty world of BKFC—gets a little tricky. The idea of cross-promotional bouts sounds fun, but making it happen? That’s where it gets murky.

Why This Rivalry Still Matters

You might be wondering: With so much time having passed since their feud first made waves, why would this fight still matter? Here’s the thing—combat sports thrive on stories. Drama. Emotion. And when two fighters have genuine tension, you don’t need titles or rankings to spark interest. The backstory writes itself: Two explosive personalities. A history of trash talk. Fans who’ve been waiting for closure. Oh, and both guys are known for bringing serious violence when they step into the cage (or ring). In a world where hype sells, the Till vs. Perry saga is pure gold.

Where It Could All Go Down

So what would a Till vs. Perry doubleheader actually look like? Here’s what Till envisions:

• Fight 1 – UFC Rules: A return to the cage. Might take place under the UFC—or another big MMA promotion willing to host the brawl.
• Fight 2 – Bare-Knuckle Rules: If both men survive the first bout, they meet again—this time with no gloves, just grit and knuckles in BKFC.

It’s the kind of setup that would spice things up for fans from both fight worlds and possibly even blaze a trail for more crossover clashes in the future.

Could the UFC Get Involved Again?

Till leaving the UFC was a surprise to many, but not necessarily a permanent exit in his eyes. He hasn’t shut the door on returning—at least not entirely. If Perry's stock continues to rise and enough fans demand the fight, don't be surprised if one of the major promotions steps in to make it happen. Stranger things have definitely occurred in combat sports.

What's at Stake?

For both fighters, this potential clash goes beyond pride. For Till, it’s a chance to reignite a career that has seen some highs and lows in recent years. A notable win—even outside the UFC—could breathe new life into his fighting profile and possibly re-open doors at the highest level. For Perry, it’s about cementing himself as a serious threat, not just in BKFC, but across the board. He’s already shaken off the reputation of being just a wild brawler. Beating someone like Till could further boost his credibility.

Fan Buzz and Social Media Mayhem

Naturally, UFC fans and BKFC followers alike have jumped into the conversation. Twitter, Reddit, and MMA forums are lighting up with fantasy matchups and dream card scenarios. Would it be a pay-per-view event? Could it headline a crossover card between the UFC and BKFC? The speculations are endless—and honestly, part of the fun. One thing’s for sure: when two fighters genuinely dislike each other, people take notice. And if they’re both down to settle it not once, but twice? That's the kind of drama fans live for.

Final Thoughts: Will It Actually Happen?

It’s easy to get excited about talk like this. But will Darren Till and Mike Perry actually square off—twice? For now, it’s all talk. But if there’s one thing fight fans know, it's that in this sport, anything is possible with the right money, the right hype, and enough fan interest. Till's challenge is on the table. Perry hasn’t formally responded yet, but with their history, a reaction seems inevitable—and probably loud. One fight would settle some scores. Two fights? Now that’s a legacy-defining rivalry.

Stay Tuned

If you’re a fan of high-octane fights, raw emotion, and storylines that feel straight out of a Hollywood script, this rivalry deserves your attention. Keep your eyes on this one—because things could heat up fast. And if you had to pick, where would you rather see the first fight—under the lights of the UFC or in the bare-knuckle pit of BKFC? Go ahead, we know you’re picturing it. 🔥