Mike Perry Investigated After Video Shows Him Attacking Man, Using Racial Slur

UFC fighter Mike Perry has been investigated for assault after a video showed him attacking a man and using a racial slur toward another. Perry, who last fought at UFC on ESPN 12 in June, was caught on video (per TMZ) in a physical altercation at a bar in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday night with an older man.

According to the site, witnesses say the incident started when Perry got into a physical altercation with someone at his table at the restaurant. He was asked to leave but allegedly punched the restauraunt employee in the eye. The video picks up from there, with Perry’s girlfriend and others trying to get him to leavce. However, he refused to leave right away and began to use racial slurs, using the N-word several times. The slur did not appear to be directed at any black people in the restaurant; per TMZ, Perry is “known to casually throw the word around.”

Perry and his girlfriend exited the restaurant and was followed by several people. One of the older men got too close and Perry leveled him with a right punch. Police arrived and took a report, though no arrest was made at that time. The Lubbock PD is investigating Perry for one count of misdemeanor assault. and according to TMZ, they say that the man punched in the video appeared to be unconscious when they arrived, having hit his head on the concrete. He was transported to a nearby hospital.

Police also spoke with Perry, who said he was trying to leave the restaurant peacefully but reacted to people “putting hands on me as I was trying to leave the building.” He says he only reacted to people who touched him first. One witness said that in addition to the older man and employee, Perry struck a woman who is a friend of Perry’s girlfriend. Perry says that he just pushed the face of older man and employee who was the general manager. He claims the older man pushed his fance and the manager put his hand on Perry’s shoulder.

The UFC issued a statement which read:

“UFC is aware and troubled by the video that was released last night concerning Mike Perry. The conduct displayed by Perry is not reflective of that of our organization. Perry apologized for his behavior and acknowledged he was disappointed with himself that his actions may have reflected poorly on UFC. He further acknowledged that he believes he has some issues related to alcohol abuse and has informed UFC that he has committed to immediately seek professional treatment, including substance and behavioral counseling. At this time, UFC has informed Perry that he will not be offered a bout, and the parties have agreed to evaluate next steps for Perry following the completion of his treatment program.”