Francisco Trinaldo, a 47-year-old MMA veteran, aims to fight Mike Perry in BKFC after recent successes in DBX, driven by the desire to prove himself and inspire his young son.
Francisco Trinaldo, after two triumphs under the Dirty Boxing Championship (DBX) banner, is eyeing a big showdown with Mike Perry, the promotion’s co-owner. At 47, this seasoned fighter boasts 26 UFC appearances over a decade.
Since leaving the UFC in 2022, “Massaranduba” has been on a roll, winning three straight. His victories include a bareknuckle MMA win over Sasha Palatnikov in 2024 and back-to-back DBX wins this year.
Trinaldo, with past UFC wins against Paul Felder, Jim Miller, King Green, and John Makdessi, is eager to challenge “Platinum” Perry for the “King of Violence” title in BKFC. “Bareknuckle boxing is also interesting because it’s a promotion for MMA fighters,” he shared with MMA Fighting.
Perry, unbeaten in six BKFC matches, has faced notable fighters like Luke Rockhold and Jeremy Stephens. Trinaldo, enjoying the DBX rules, aims for the welterweight title. “I’ll win the belt [at DBX] and then go to [BKFC] and challenge him,” Trinaldo declared.
Currently a free agent, Trinaldo isn’t keen on exclusive deals at his age. He seeks strong competition, hoping for a BKFC clash with Perry. Despite challenges, he’s not done with MMA, having won five of his last seven UFC fights.
Offers came to face Damir Ismagulov in Russia, but they were canceled when they learned he’s still thriving in the gym. “My fuel to fire, to tell you the truth, is my boy,” Trinaldo said, wanting his son to witness his fights.
His son, now eight, missed his UFC days. Trinaldo fights for him, inspiring him with the thrill of competition. “He gets excited and asks me a bunch of questions,” Trinaldo chuckled, encouraging his son to train hard.