Last-Minute MMA Replacement
Brandon Jenkins replaces withdrawing Dillon Danis to fight Mike Perry at Duel Arena 1.
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Key Points
1
Dillon Danis has a documented history of pulling out of planned bouts, including his January 2023 boxing cancellation with KSI and a 2025 MMA title-defense that was scrapped after he wasn’t medically cleared following injuries from a UFC 322 brawl.
2
Brandon Jenkins, the replacement, is a UFC veteran with a 17-11 record who has competed across multiple promotions (UFC, LFA, PFL, BKFC, Karate Combat, MVP MMA) and most recently defeated Chris Avila by split decision on MVP MMA before stepping in to fight Perry.
3
Duel Arena 1 is set for August 29, 2026, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, with the main event still headlined by Perry despite Danis’s withdrawal.
4
Perry publicly blasted Danis for not showing up, using explicit language to describe the absence while praising Jenkins for taking the fight and traveling to weigh in.
5
Perry’s recent combat-sports activity includes a notable MMA comeback win over Nate Diaz by second-round stoppage on the MVP MMA card prior to this Duel Arena bout.
Dillon Danis pulled out of his main event fight against Mike Perry just two days before Duel Arena 1 in Orlando on August 29, 2026, citing health issues and a surgical procedure. MMA Mania reported that UFC veteran Brandon Jenkins, who holds a 17-11 record, stepped in on short notice to headline the card against Perry instead.
Perry blasted Danis for the withdrawal, praising Jenkins for accepting the fight and traveling to weigh in on short notice. Boxing News noted this continues Danis' pattern of pulling out of scheduled bouts, including a January 2023 boxing cancellation with KSI and a 2025 MMA title defense that fell apart after injuries from a UFC 322 incident left him medically cleared.
A Last-Minute Withdrawal Amid Injury
Danis posted graphic images of an injury and surgical procedure that forced his withdrawal, Yahoo Sports reported. The timing — just 48 hours before fight night — created chaos for the Kia Center event in Orlando, putting organizers in a bind and leaving Perry without his scheduled opponent.
The withdrawal adds to Danis' controversial track record in combat sports. Cageside Press highlighted his history of missing promotional obligations and previous fight cancellations, establishing a pattern of unreliability that has frustrated fans and promoters alike.
Jenkins Steps Up With Battle-Tested Resume
Brandon Jenkins is no stranger to short-notice fights or high-pressure situations. The UFC veteran has competed across multiple promotions including the UFC, LFA, PFL, BKFC, and Karate Combat, building a diverse combat sports experience over his career.
Jenkins arrived in Orlando ready to fight after recently defeating Chris Avila by split decision on the MVP MMA card. His willingness to step in on short notice drew praise from Perry, who called him a true competitor willing to help save the event.
Perry's Momentum Continues Despite the Chaos
Mike Perry showed no signs of backing down from the sudden opponent change. The fighter recently posted a dominant second-round stoppage victory over Nate Diaz on the MVP MMA card, entering this bout with strong momentum and confidence.
Perry used explicit language to criticize Danis while expressing gratitude toward Jenkins' willingness to fight on short notice. The headliner will proceed as scheduled on August 29, 2026, at the Kia Center, though with a completely different matchup than originally planned.
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