Tomorrow afternoon on the main card of UFC Vegas 23, we will see a fun scrap in the welterweight division. The polarizing “Platinum” Mike Perry (14-7) is back as he takes on Daniel Rodriguez (13-2).
Mike Perry is quite the character, but he’s been a PR headache for the UFC. 2020 was filled with outside of the octagon issues with Perry, but after the birth of his son, he says that he’s a changed man.
He definitely seems more serious about tomorrow’s fight than his previous matchup. Perry took on Tim Means back at UFC 255 and badly missed weight. Means would go on to outstrike Perry to win a decision.
This could be a do or die fight for Mike Perry. While he’s never in a boring fight, he’s also just 3-6 in his last nine trips inside the octagon. He’s got a big test in front of him and he’s fighting for everything tomorrow.
Daniel Rodriguez also fought at UFC 255 where he lost a decision to Nicholas Dalby. That loss snapped a nine-fight win streak for Rodriguez. D-Rod made his UFC debut in February of 2020 and won his first three fights prior to the loss to Dalby.
UFC Vegas 23 Prediction
One thing that makes me very intrigued by this UFC Vegas 23 matchup is the game plan of Mike Perry. He’s been training down at MMA Masters with the likes of top contender, Colby Covington.
We’ve seen Perry use his wrestling at times, but he’s mostly happy to just strike and brawl with his opponents. That’s not going to be a wise strategy at UFC Vegas 23.
I believe Rodriguez has the cleaner striking and I think he has more pop on his shots. We’ve seen Rodriguez get drawn into brawls as well, but his better technical skills could play here.
If I’m Mike Perry’s corner, I’m telling him to wrestle. If he comes heavy with the wrestling and mixes in occasional striking, I believe he can win a decision here. However, I don’t have faith that’s going to happen. I think these two stand and ultimately, Rodriguez will get the better of Perry at UFC Vegas 23.
Prediction: Daniel Rodriguez by Unanimous Decision