Exciting British welterweight prospect Danny Roberts believes Florida knockout king Mike Perry has a style ideal to bring out the very best in him, and is predicting a short night’s work when the two meet inside the Octagon at Manchester Arena for UFC 204 on Saturday night.
‘Hot Chocolate’, who was born in London, raised in Bristol and trained in Liverpool, says he’s got fans from the “four corner” of the UK making the trip to Manchester this weekend, and he’s promising a bonus cheque cashing performance headlining the UFC Fight Pass portion of the prelims.
“Stylistically, I don’t think this fight will go the distance,” Roberts, 29, tells FO. “Perry is 8-0. He’s finished every guy that’s stood in front of him, he comes forward and he’s aggressive. But I see flaws. And I know how I am and how I like to exploit opponents in there. Any opportunity and I’ll jump on it. It’s not going to last, and while I am not looking past this fight, it’s just another day in the office and I’m aiming to do a job on this guy and then move onto the next one.”
After eight straight knockouts in his MMA career, including on his UFC debut on the PPV-busting McGregor-Diaz 2 undercard back in August, Perry has quickly built up some momentum as a finisher to look out for. But Roberts isn’t phased by the Floridian’s punching prowess and he believes he’s got the experience and rounded skills to take Perry out of his comfort zone.
“A few pope have labelled him a one tricky pony as he’s knocking everyone out, but I’m not selling him short like that. He’s found something that’s working for him and so he’s doing what he knows works time and time again, so you can’t knock him down for that. That’s obviously how he feels at his best.
“But he’s never been into deep waters. In fact, he’s only twice ventured into the second half of round two. But everyone knows I can override adversity and they know I’ve got the heart to come through anything in the Octagon. So I feel like anywhere this fight guys, I’m winning. I can take it anywhere and exploit this guy and really show my true skill set and dynamism.”
Roberts adds: “This guy is the perfect opponent for me. I know how to handle him and this could well be a bonus winning night for me. I truly believe that. It’s going to be like a home town fight for me, with plenty of the boys coming up from Liverpool to cheer me on. People from the four corners of the UK actually. It’s going to be electric.
“A few fans online are tweeting about it already, getting excited, saying they can’t wait to see it and my plan is to light up UFC Fight Pass, as it’s the featured fight, which I’m immensely proud of, and it’s going to be all about me. Fight Pass ratings will be through the roof!”
* UFC 204: Roberts vs. Perry is live on UFC Fight Pass on Saturday evening. Check local listings for start times.
