Ahead of Mike Perry’s loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio at UFC on FOX 26 last weekend, Darren Tillsuggested that “Platinum” would need a win to secure a matchup against him.
Despite Perry coming out of the fight on the wrong end of a decision to the Argentinian, Till says he is still open to fighting Perry, but doubts the bout will happen.
“I’m still up for the fight, but he’s coming off a loss so obviously, to everyone and the UFC, it doesn’t make much sense,” he told Ariel Helwani on the latest episode of The MMA Hour.
“As I’ve said in the past, I don’t really care about rankings, so I’m not one to say, ‘just because he’s coming off a loss let’s not fight’.
“I’m still game to fight him, but obviously it’s not really smart matchmaking now because I’m coming off a win and he’s coming off a loss.”
The Liverpudlian said he was hoping Perry would win the fight and was disappointed that he didn’t have his hand raised.
“Yeah, I wanted Perry to win, yeah,” he said.
“I was (disappointed), but you never know, the UFC could match me against Santiago. He’s a really good fighter, but I do have to say I was pulling for Perry.”
When asked whom he would choose to fight at UFC London, Till pointed to Kamaru Usman and Stephen Thompson. He conceded that Usman’s upcoming bout with Emil Meek would likely rule “The Nigerian Nightmare” out of contention.
“Maybe Usman or Wonderboy, but I know Usman has a fight so maybe he’s out of the question,” said Till. “So maybe Wonderboy, then maybe one more and then a title shot and that’s me – champion.”
Darren Till still open to Mike Perry fight, sets sights on Wonderboy for UFC London