It’s hard to ignore Mike Perry’s relationship with Danielle Nickerson. Not just because he’s a UFC fighter who enjoys a certain amount of spotlight, but because she also helped with his training, meal prep, and cornered him for all his fights. She was more than just his girlfriend, she was one woman fulfilling multiple roles that were crucial to Perry’s camps. This all changes today, as she just announced she is no longer involved with Perry in a lengthy statement she released for reasons she addresses directly.
“Mike [Perry] & I are no longer together. I wanted to explain what is going on because there are so many people who have shown me/us so much love and support and have invested into us, and felt like you guys deserve answers. I also don’t want to get hundreds of comments on my photos from here on out about, ‘Where’s Mike. Why aren’t you together?’ and such. I am a huge believer in God & that everything happens for a reason and everyone in your life is there for a reason. Mike and I are not meant to be together in a relationship but only to be friends and support each other through life.”
The first to stand up. True happiness. Real Ride or Die.@PlatinumPerry @dnickerson13 #UFCOrlando #UFConFOX28 pic.twitter.com/loTLkEGFnw
— Lord Honky Humungus (@Mr_Honky) February 22, 2018
“No one can ever know what happens behind closed doors, no matter how great things may seem through social media. We are human and we all make mistakes, Mike unfortunately has a wandering eye and this time it wandered too far and I couldn’t accept anymore. No physical cheating happened but enough was said that I hit a limit I couldn’t return from. I am not mad. I don’t hate him at all. I hope to remain friends and be someone he knows will always tell him how it is and can always receive honest advice from. I have no regrets at all, only wonderful memories of good times.”
Despite coming under criticism due to being Mike Perry’s corner woman, and even being the focus of some insults by Colby Covington, Nickerson has always remained composed and classy during her time in the MMA spotlight. It looks like her involvement in the sport will be severed along with her romantic relationship with Perry, but there is always the possibility she finds another place in MMA.
“I wish him nothing but the very best and still know that one day he will achieve his dream of becoming UFC welterweight champion. Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see. I am excited to embark on my new life journey. I have no idea where it will take me, the places I will go, or the people I will meet. If you would like to come along with me on this journey I invite you to stay and see where it goes and if you have no interest I can completely understand. Thank you for the continued love and support. This did not happen this week or weekend, it’s been awhile. There is also no need and I really prefer no one DM me things about what he’s doing or putting on his story. Thank you.” — Danielle Nickerson on her official Instagram account.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/6/2018.