Jay Perrin is far from discouraged after faltering in his short-notice UFC debut early this year.
The Massachusetts-born ‘Joker’ stepped in to face Mario Bautista on just six days’ notice in that February bout – and while he’s not stoked on the decision loss, Perrin has taken solace in the fact that the proven finisher was unable to end the fight before the final horn sounded.
Now, with a full training camp behind him at Syndicate MMA, the 29-year-old has the opportunity to prove he truly belongs among the best in the world when he takes on Aoriqileng at UFC 278 on the 20th of August in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Chinese fighter’s moniker, ‘The Mongolian Murderer’, is a name that’s designed to strike fear in the psyche of his opponents, however, Perrin seems entirely unphased by his dance partner’s reputation. Given that Aoriqileng’s competing at bantamweight for the first time under the UFC banner, he feels there’s little danger in standing toe to toe with the Chinese standout.
“He’s been a [flyweight], for a lot of his career,” Perrin told The AllStar. “When he’s been sat down by 125-ers it’s very hard for me to feel very threatened on the feet by people like that. I spar some of the very best-ranked fighters in the world all the time, and he doesn’t really touch them.”
“He’s a let me bang bro type of guy. He charges forward, doesn’t have a lot of footwork, doesn’t move his head. He swings big meaty hooks, and he throws hard. He’s got a nice jab here and there; but [he’s not a specialist]. I believe his ground game is questionable as well.”
Perrin, not one to be disrespectful, clarified that he’s by no means underestimating Aoriqileng ahead of their clash, and has prepared for ‘the best version of him’ come fight night. He’s simply confident that the knowledge gained from his past outings will ultimately keep him out of harm’s way inside the cage.
“I have a lot of experience for 15 fights, and he doesn’t show me anything I haven’t seen before and that I can’t counter to or adapt to.”
The confidence oozed from Perrin as he shared his prediction for the looming bantamweight scrap.
“I’ma finish this man. I’m going for 50k baby. I’m getting a performance bonus somehow because it’s not enough to win for me.”
“If it goes to the ground I’m gonna consume him. Like a wave in the ocean – just absolutely swallow him whole. On the feet, it’s gonna be interesting, but I do see myself rocking him with my hands. My boxing’s come such a long way since the last time you guys saw me. I’ll be able to display a little more of my footwork with the big cage, which is super cool.”
“I’m gonna knock him right the fuck out – and if he gets rocked or wobbled, you know, I’ll just take his neck.
“One way or another I’m trying to get 50K baby, I got bills and shit. Then I’m gonna ask Elon Musk for a Tesla, see what happens.”
