After parting ways with UFC, MMA veteran Francisco Trinaldo has expressed his desire to compete in bare-knuckle boxing and has chosen Mike Perry as his preferred first opponent.
Francisco Trinaldo, after more than a decade in the UFC, plans to deviate and undertake a new challenge in his career. He aims to target Mike Perry as his initial adversary in this new venture. Trinaldo, also known as “Massaranduba,” departed from the UFC in the latter part of 2022 after losing to Randy Brown in a decision. He boasts an impressive octagon score of 18-8 with victories over celebrated fighters such as Paul Felder, Jim Miller, Evan Dunham, and Bobby Green.
The Brazilian star once expressed his desire to go head-to-head against Perry in UFC. However, Perry was continuously selective with his match-ups, according to Trinaldo. Strongly believing in his abilities, Trinaldo stated, “I can’t wait to beat up this a******. I’m confident I can enter the BKFC and provide him with a showdown. He perpetually claims there is no man ready to face him, but I stand ready. I eagerly await it. I believe it will be a good fight.”
Perry has a winning streak in the BKFC ring with three back-to-back victories. This series of victories included wins over Luke Rockhold and Michael Page, MMA stars, following his tenure in UFC from 2016 to 2021, where he had 7 victories and 8 losses. In response to Perry’s performance, Trinaldo said, “It would be a bloody fight; I won’t make it easy for him. I was fashioned for this. He has a strong boxing skill, but I know mine is superior.”
Trinaldo, at 45, is the last member to leave from the original lineup of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil UFC roster. Despite not having fought professionally in close to a year, he confessed to still training six days a week at the American Top Team in Florida. Even though he has participated in 37 professional matches across almost two decades, Trinaldo has no intention of announcing his retirement from MMA. Instead, his current focus is on earning money and making his mark in bare-knuckle boxing. According to him, “BKFC will pay me handsomely considering my UFC tenure. I’ve participated in numerous UFC fights, and now I intend to take my fight to the BKFC. Mike Perry, watch out, I am coming for you.”