Duel Arena launches with Mike Perry vs Dillon Danis in Orlando
A new name enters the combat sports space on August 29 when Duel Arena stages its inaugural event at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Duel Arena 1: Perry vs. Danis mixes MMA, boxing, kickboxing and influencer boxing on the same card, with the action beginning at 8 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.
The first Duel Arena main event is an MMA fight between two personalities who rarely need help generating attention. Mike Perry returns to MMA competition against submission specialist Dillon Danis in a 170-pound matchup.
Perry vs. Danis is an unusual stylistic pairing. Perry has built his reputation around pressure, durability and violent striking exchanges, while Danis' clearest route remains his high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu. If Perry can keep the fight standing, the matchup looks very different than it does if Danis can consistently force grappling exchanges.
For more on the fighters, their rivalry and the final build-up in Orlando, watch the Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis Countdown documentary for Duel Arena 1.
Duel Arena, where men stake their reputation and lives on the line.
— Duel Arena (@duelarenax) August 26, 2026
8/29, Orlando FL.https://t.co/eiM6xqB8bahttps://t.co/xQzisboRRA pic.twitter.com/RkPyghou5p
Duel Arena 1 mixes MMA, boxing and kickboxing
The promotion is not building its first event around one ruleset. The co-main event features Paul “Gypsy Crusader” Miller against Ben “King” Azoulay in heavyweight kickboxing, while former UFC light heavyweight Jimi Manuwa meets Chase Sherman in a heavyweight boxing match.
The MMA portion extends well beyond Perry and Danis. Blake Anthony faces Nate Morrow at 145 pounds in Anthony vs. Morrow, while heavyweights Alex Nicholson and Brad Taylor collide in Taylor vs. Nicholson.
The free preliminary card also includes lightweight MMA as AJ Cunningham takes on Joe Penafiel in Penafiel vs. Cunningham.
Phil Rowe and Javanis J Ross join the boxing lineup
Another crossover fight sees Phil Rowe box Javanis J Ross at 175 pounds. Patrick Clark Jr., better known to wrestling fans as “Velveteen Dream,” is also scheduled to box Ryan Pownall, while Jack Grady faces Wade Stokan in an influencer boxing matchup.
For a debut promotion, that variety gives Duel Arena an obvious identity from day one: recognizable MMA names placed alongside fighters from different combat sports rather than a traditional single-discipline card.
Duel Arena 1 full fight card
Main Event
Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis – 170 lbs., MMA
Co-Main Event
Paul “Gypsy Crusader” Miller vs. Ben “King” Azoulay – Heavyweight Kickboxing
Main Card
- Jimi Manuwa vs. Chase Sherman – Heavyweight Boxing
- Blake Anthony vs. Nate Morrow – 145 lbs., MMA
- Phil Rowe vs. Javanis J Ross – 175 lbs., Boxing
- Alex Nicholson vs. Brad Taylor – Heavyweight MMA
- Patrick “Velveteen Dream” Clark Jr. vs. Ryan Pownall – 200 lbs., Boxing
- Jack Grady vs. Wade Stokan – 165 lbs., Influencer Boxing
Preliminary Card
- AJ Cunningham vs. Joe Penafiel – 155 lbs., MMA
- Daniel Cao vs. Mason Ajester – 165 lbs., Boxing
- Shane King vs. Thomas Phillips – 120 lbs., Boxing
Duel Arena 1 FAQ
What is Duel Arena?
Duel Arena is a new combat sports promotion launching in 2026 with an event combining MMA, boxing, kickboxing and influencer boxing.
When is Duel Arena 1?
Duel Arena 1 takes place Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Where is Duel Arena 1 taking place?
The inaugural event is being held at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.
Who is fighting in the Duel Arena 1 main event?
Mike Perry faces Dillon Danis in a 170-pound MMA main event.
Is Mike Perry vs Dillon Danis an MMA fight?
Yes. Perry vs. Danis is scheduled under MMA rules rather than boxing or kickboxing.
What time does Duel Arena 1 start?
The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on August 29.
How can I watch Duel Arena 1?
The main event card is scheduled as a pay-per-view broadcast, while the preliminary fights are set to stream free on YouTube.
Is Duel Arena 1 only an MMA event?
No. The inaugural Duel Arena event combines MMA with professional boxing, kickboxing and influencer boxing on the same card.