Mike Perry on Fighting, Training, and Life - Fight Back Ep. 45
Jan 27, 2025
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Mike Perry, a bare-knuckle boxer and former MMA fighter known for his intense style, shares thrilling insights into the fighting world. He discusses the unique dynamics of bare-knuckle fighting and contrasts it with MMA. Perry opens up about the mental challenges of training, balancing fighting with personal life, and the ups and downs of his career. He also reflects on memorable fights, discusses training strategies, and hints at future matchups, all while intertwining his passion for business and life outside of the ring.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding distance, timing, and range in striking, often overlooked by casual fans.
Discussion on transitioning between MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and traditional boxing highlights the need for tailored training and mental preparation.
The guest reflects on their career evolution, acknowledging the challenges faced and the importance of seizing opportunities in combat sports.
Deep dives
Striking Skills Underestimated
The discussion highlights the common misconception among fans regarding the striking abilities of some fighters, particularly the guest. Despite being known primarily for grappling, the guest emphasizes that their striking skills are often underestimated due to preconceived notions. They bring to light their experience fighting top-level strikers, revealing that their defensive skills effectively minimize damage taken. The conversation stresses the importance of distance, timing, and range in striking, which many casual fans may overlook.
Navigating Various Fight Styles
The podcast delves into the guest's adaptability across different combat sports, including MMA, bare-knuckle boxing, and traditional boxing. They discuss how transitioning between these styles requires not only physical training but also mental preparation to understand the nuances of each discipline. The guest shares their personal experience of preparing for different opponents, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach depending on the fight type. Additionally, they touch on the importance of effective sparring and training partners in honing their craft.
The Mental Game of Fighting
An exploration of the psychological aspects of fighting reveals how fighters manage their mental state, especially during training and leading up to fights. The guest discusses the significance of visualizing their performance and setting specific goals for each sparring session. This mental preparation plays a crucial role in their overall confidence and decision-making during fights. They further elaborate on the balance of intensity in training, acknowledging how sometimes a relaxed mindset can enhance performance.
Industry Career Reflections
The conversation takes a reflective turn as the guest discusses their journey through various promotions, including their exit from the UFC and subsequent rise in bare-knuckle boxing. They express gratitude for the opportunities bare-knuckle fighting has provided and how it has allowed them to showcase their skills in a different aspect of combat sports. The guest acknowledges the challenges faced along the way, including moments of doubt but emphasizes the importance of persistence and adaptation. Their story illustrates the evolving nature of a fighter's career and the importance of seizing opportunities.
Future Aspirations in Fighting
Looking ahead, the guest expresses interest in potential future matchups, especially against notable opponents like Robbie Lawler and Dylan Danis. They discuss the thought process behind pursuing specific fights, focusing on both the competitive and financial aspects involved. There's an excitement about continuing to grow within the sport while also highlighting the need for strategic fight selections. The conversation culminates in their vision of further leveraging their brand through their fighting experience and expanding into ventures like promoting events and launching personal products.
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Fighting Strategies and Experiences
03:11 Bare Knuckle and Boxing Insights
05:06 Training and Sparring Mindset
07:03 Reflecting on Career and Weight Classes
13:39 Bare Knuckle Fighting Techniques
16:28 Transitioning Between Fighting Styles
18:58 Managing Life and Fighting Balance
22:39 Promotions and Business Ventures
26:37 Commentating and In-Ring Altercations
30:13 Drug Testing and Fight Preparations
37:12 Fight Recap: The Intense Battle
39:13 Early Fighting Days: High School Brawls
41:35 Coaching Philosophy: Learning and Adapting
43:49 Boxing vs. MMA: Different Coaching Styles
45:38 Memorable Fights
46:24 Training in Orlando: Current Gyms
49:13 Jon Jones: Training Stories
56:59 Fighting Style: Anderson Silva Influence
01:07:19 Dana White: Relationship and Respect
01:09:32 Bare Knuckle Fighting: A Perfect Fit
01:12:05 Future Fights: Potential Opponents
01:17:17 Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Tequila
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