Michael “Venom” Page has made it abundantly clear that he’ll be leaving the UFC without bigger-name matches.
The former Bellator champion is said to be coming back into the fight for the finishing touches of his existing UFC deal with Nursulton Ruziboev in UFC Paris, September 2026. The 39-year-old Brit is eager to take on the next opponent but has been displeased with what he feels is poor UFC matchmaking.
Repeatedly, Page says that he and his management team have proposed big-name opponents from both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. But most matchups, it was reported, did not materialize because of injured, booked, or unwilling fighters.
Once Page beat Sam Patterson in March 2026, she thought she would have come closer to a ranked opponent or a big UFC star. Rather, he was paired with another dangerous, but not as well-known, contender.
It seems particularly frustrating, as Page has had a solid UFC career. The only promotion he lost was to elite welterweight Ian Machado Garry, and his victories include impressive efforts against Jared Cannonier, Sharaputdin Magomedov, and Patterson.
But, according to Page, his win against Magomedov might have shifted the UFC’s stance on him. Although he has continued to triumph, he still doesn’t know where he fits in the team and if they really believe him to be a contender for a title.
However, “MVP” is not ready to walk away from the UFC just yet.
Page has stated that he would be open to an extension to his current deal but would prefer to be promoted to a championship opportunity. His ambition has not budged from what he’s currently doing: taking on known fighters, ranking, and attempting to go all the way to UFC gold.
Right now, all things could be reliant on the performance of him against Ruziboev at UFC Paris. If he wins the spectacular bout, it may help to solidify his negotiating power and finally get him the blockbuster fight he’s been asking for.
Only one thing is sure: Michael Page isn’t looking for safe fights; he’s looking for stars, ranks, and a direct route to the belt.
