Bryan Barberena announces UFC exit, calls for ‘real brawler’ BKFC battle with Mike Perry
Bryan Barberena is stepping away from the octagon for now.
The 30-fight veteran announced on social media that he has fought out his contract with the UFC and not been re-signed. See Barberena’s statement below.
It’s been a hell of a ride!
My contract has ended with the UFC and I have not been resigned. In the meantime I’ll be enjoying my family, farming, and drinking some Ridge Rum. A lot of opportunity out there to let the hands fly and hurt some feelings, so we will see where the Bam Bam Nation rises next.
Thank you to the Bam Bam Nation, the fans, and those who enjoyed watching my fights. Thank you to the UFC, It’s been a blast.
In the statement, Barberena said he plans to take some time to enjoy life and that he is grateful for the opportunities afforded to him as a UFC fighter.
Barberena also called for an opportunity to face Mike Perry in bare-knuckle boxing following Perry’s 60-second knockout of Thiago Alves at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 on Saturday.
Seems to me Perry needs himself a real brawler to brawl with #bkfc ♂️
— BRYAN BARBERENA (@bryan_barberena) April 28, 2024
Barberena, 34, first fought for the UFC in December 2014. In his debut, he defeated Joe Ellenberger via third-round TKO, and went on to score notable victories over Robbie Lawler, Matt Brown, Sage Northcutt, Warlley Alves, and Jake Ellenberger. The veteran welterweight moved up to 185 pounds for his past two fights, both of which were losses.
In 19 UFC appearances, Barberena went 9-10 and won five Fight of the Night bonuses. His overall pro record stands at 18-12.