Mike Perry Batters Nate Diaz Into Bloody TKO Win

InnovationGamingMike Perry Batters Nate Diaz Into Bloody TKO WinByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorMay 16, 2026, 11:44pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.US mixed martial artist Nate Diaz and US mixed martial artist Mike Perry fight during their Double Main Event Welterweight Bout at MVP MMA 1 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesMike Perry beat the brakes off Nate Diaz on Saturday night in the People's main event of MVP MMA 1 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Perry's accurate punching and surprisingly good submission defense were the major keys.Perry banged Diaz to the body and folded the MMA legend several times in the first round. In the second, Perry's elbows and a vicious knee to Diaz's forehead left the latter a bloody mess. After the second round, Diaz's corner and the Hexagon-side doctor made the wise decision to stop the fight.Event: MVP MMA 1: Rousey vs. CaranoDate: Saturday, May 16, 2026Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CaliforniaBroadcast: NetflixBout: Mike Perry vs. Nate Diaz (welterweight, co-main event)Result: Mike Perry def. Nate Diaz via TKO (doctor's stoppage — cuts) at 5:00 of R2Perry Record: 15-8Diaz Record: 22-14Scheduled Length: Five 5-minute roundsHow Did Mike Perry Beat Nate Diaz?Perry controlled the fight from the opening bell by refusing to give Diaz the boxing distance he needed. Pocket exchanges, dirty boxing in the clinch and consistent pressure to the body added up faster than Diaz's volume could compensate for, and a cut over Diaz's right eye opened up early in Round 1.Diaz secured a takedown on a beautiful throw in the first round, but he couldn’t do much with it de...