Why UFC on FOX 22's Mike Perry looks up to Donald Trump and Floyd Mayweather

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Mike Perry is trying to focus on the positives of having to deal with so much criticism online.

Perry (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who meets fellow welterweight Alan Jouban (14-4 MMA, 5-2 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC on FOX 22 main-card opener, has certainly been a target for criticism – arguably for good reason. There was that fake handshake with Hyun Gyu Lim prior to his UFC debut, and his cornerman certainly didn’t help matters when cageside microphones picked up his in-cage comments.

At UFC on FOX 22, Perry looks for his third straight UFC win and 10th consecutive victory overall when he meets Jouban in a FOX-televised bout at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. However, Perry’s also had his fair share of tussles on social media. He looks to the U.S. president elect and a pro boxer for help.

“I’ve got to remember that it’s just hate and I’m getting smarter in life because of dealing with something like that,” he said. “Sometimes it gets to me, but I’m at home, so I’m good. I get frustrated like, ‘This is ridiculous.’ But then I’m like, ‘Who is this person? This person has no effect on me whatsoever.’ I’m remembering that more and more as I go along.

“I look up to certain guys who I’m sure have dealt with this. Let’s say Donald Trump or Floyd Mayweather. There’s a big gap between those guys, but they deal with it a lot. I try to stay positive in every situation.”

With Jouban, a professional model who previously worked with Versace, Perry said he got a stellar matchup. At the sports books, the lines are tight, and Perry is a small favorite. He said it’s proof that the UFC matchmakers are doing good work and booking solid fights.

“I never heard of (Jouban), but I love the matchup,” he said. “But that’s what they do, the UFC and Sean Shelby and Joe Silva. I’m not sure which one set this up, but they’re the best matchmakers in the world and had a reason for this one.

“He’s got some fame, but he’s never had the momentum I’ve had. I’m going to take my momentum and run over him like a train and take all of his fame. I want to get his Versace job too.”

Check out the full interview above.

And for more on UFC on FOX 22, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.