Mike Perry is still competing following Dillon Danis’ last-second withdrawal ahead of tonight’s (Sat., Aug. 29, 2026) Duel Arena 1 event in Orlando, Fla., but “Platinum” is taking a ridiculous pay cut to stay on the card.
In case you missed it, this weekend’s main event matchup between Perry and Danis went up in flames earlier this week when Danis was forced to withdraw. Fight fans immediately threw him under the bus, but after learning about the grotesque reason why Danis pulled out they let up just a little bit. That still left a void atop Duel Arena 1’s debut fight card, which was eventually filled by an out-of-shape Brandon Jenkins.
Perry, who was always going to be the main attraction even against Danis, accepted Jenkins as a short-notice replacement without batting an eye. Of course, “Platinum” was upset about not being able to get his hands on Danis, but he still wanted to keep the event together and gives fight fans a show. Unfortunately, Perry will be making a lot less money despite stepping up and saving the event alongside a new opponent.
On Thursday, Perry revealed the main event shakeup during a pre-fight press conference and claimed that he was taking a massive pay cut as a result. Usually fighters will earn a little more money for accepting a replacement opponent on short notice, especially when it comes to a main event. That apparently wasn’t the case.
“It’s f—ked up, man. It makes me think this was always their plan,” said Perry on Thursday. “You’d think accepting something last-second would give you more, rather than much less.”
Perry’s claim was later confirmed by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, who revealed on Friday that “Platinum” is expected to earn half of what he originally was.
“As a result of Dillon Danis’ withdrawal from tomorrow’s Duel Arena event, Mike Perry is getting a 50% purse cut, I’m told,” wrote Helwani.