Mike Perry on Thiago Alves: “I hope he does miss weight!”

On September 16, when the UFC touches down in Pittsburgh, PA, ever entertaining welterweight “Platinum” Mike Perry will step onto the canvas with former welterweight title challenger Thiago Alves. Alves, of course, has long stood out as one of the welterweight division’s most exciting – and dangerous  – fighters. The one knock against the Brazilian star, however, is that he’s had some real difficulty making weight in the past.

To recount, Alves has missed weight for welterweight fights with Matt Hughes and Jon Fitch, and for his lone attempt at making lightweight, when he tipped the scales at 162 pounds rather than the mandated 155. And while he seemed to have his weight under control for his last fight – an exciting decision defeat of Patrick Cote – there seems to be an ever-present possibility that he misses again.

In the opinion of Mike Perry, however, Alves missing weight on September 16 is no big deal. In fact, it could actually be a good thing, as Perry would receive a 20% cut of Alves’ fight purse should he agree to accept the fight despite the miss. For that reason, Perry actually hopes his foe weighs in over the welterweight division’s 171-pound cap.

He broke it down on the latest episode of BJ Penn Radio:

“Hell no,” he said when asked if he would consider withdrawing from the fight if Alves misses weight. “I’m taking that 20%! We’re gonna add that on top of my fuckin’ money. I hope he does miss weight! If he hears this, Thiago, you can have a 5-pound advantage if you want but I’m taking some of your money.”

Mike Perry will enter this fight having recently dazzled with a highlight reel, elbow-induced knockout of former welterweight contender Jake Ellenberger.

How do you think Mike Perry will do against Thiago Alves on September 16? Do you think Alves will make weight?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 8/3/2017.