Mike Perry is using his most recent setback as a learning experience rather viewing it as a moment that’s going to define what he’s capable of as a UFC fighter.
Perry (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio (26-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) in their welterweight fight on Saturday at UFC on FOX 26, which took place at Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and aired on FOX following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass. It was obviously not his expected result since “Platinum” guaranteed a knockout prior to the contest.
Although he lost the fight with 29-28 scorecards across the board, Perry made it clear post-fight that’s not going to be deterred by the result. He praised Ponzinibbio’s strategy in the fight but admitted things could have gone better for him with better conditioning (via Instagram):
“Everything was good this week. No excuses, my opponent came with a good game plan and he put it together well. My cardio could have been better tho. I’ll be back and I’ll be better ! #FightersFight #ItIsWhatItIs #ImNotHappyWithMyself #But #ThisWillMakeMeBetter #NextOnesTheBestOne”
Perry had lost once prior to the encounter with Ponzinibbio. He dropped a unanimous decision to Alan Jouban at UFC on FOX 22 in December 2016, he but bounced back with back-to-back knockout wins, including one of the most vicious elbow finishes in UFC history, which came against Jake Ellenberger at UFC Fight Night 108 in April.
In a followup post, Perry said he will “see what the future holds” as far as his next bout. The Florida resident said prior to the event that he hopes to compete at UFC on FOX 28 in Orlando on Feb. 24. It remains to be seen if the result vs. Ponzinibbio changes his plans (via Instagram):
All glory to God 🙏🏼 Last night two warriors left it all inside the octagon. I am so proud of you no matter what the outcome is. You are still my King! Thank you to everyone who reached out with love and kindness and support last night 💜 we are at war out here and the biggest fight last night was with yourself. You will always be your own toughest opponent and critic.
You are a truly relentless warrior, that no matter what always presses forward and cannot be stopped. You never run from an opponent, you lay it all on the line. You said all week that all you wanted to do was put on an amazing show for the fans and have a bloody to the death fight, and you did just that. You always come to entertain and your true fans love you for that. Next one is the best one my love! Can’t wait for a great Christmas with family and our pups 💜💜💜 love you to Heaven & back
Perry had lost o
For complete coverage of UFC on FOX 26, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
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