During a recent appearance on the Mighty podcast by Demetrious Johnson, Bare-Knuckle FC star Mike Perry addressed the viral confrontation with Conor McGregor at a BKFC press conference. He explained why he chose restraint over retaliation when McGregor made his infamous “dance for me” comment.
The incident occurred when Perry called out McGregor for a match, only to have the Irishman respond with, “Well, you’re going to dance for me.” The exchange sparked immediate reactions from fans who expected Perry to respond physically to what many perceived as disrespectful comments.
Perry revealed that his decision to remain composed wasn’t born from fear or respect for McGregor, but from consideration for his family’s safety. “I was thinking about my wife in the audience and I definitely didn’t want somebody throw a dolly at her,” Perry explained, referencing McGregor’s notorious 2018 incident where he threw a dolly at a UFC bus.
The contender emphasized that any potential escalation could have put innocent bystanders at risk, particularly his wife who was watching from the crowd.
Despite fan expectations for immediate retaliation, Perry maintained his professional composure throughout the encounter. “I’m a pro fighter. We tow the line and we start fair and square,” he stated.
Perry acknowledged the disappointment from fans who wanted to see him strike McGregor, but he stood firm in his decision. “You know, someone hits me first and or touches my face, I’m going to try to get towards them and if I’m able to get through five security guards then I will hit them. But that’s part of the game.”
Rather than harboring resentment toward McGregor, Perry viewed the interaction through a business lens. He noted that McGregor’s involvement has helped keep the company financially stable while allowing Perry time with his family.
“He is a great promoter. He speaks well,” Perry acknowledged, recognizing McGregor’s value to the organization despite their personal tensions. The fighter also pointed out that McGregor essentially announced Perry’s October 11th match date during their exchange, turning what could have been a negative moment into promotional gold.
