LONDON — Michael Page got the win but not the reaction he wanted. Following a lackluster decision victory over Sam Patterson at UFC London, Page found himself facing heavy criticism from fans, fighters, and even commentary voices after a fight widely labeled one of the most disappointing of 2026.
Now, the flashy striker is addressing the backlash head-on. Despite extending his winning streak, Page admitted the performance didn’t meet expectations including his own.
“Got the win. Not the performance I aim to give, and I know people expect more,” Page wrote on Instagram. “I expect more from myself too.” The fight, which saw minimal engagement and drew boos from the O2 Arena crowd, quickly became a talking point across the MMA world.
Page pointed to stylistic familiarity as a key factor in how the fight unfolded. “Sometimes styles clash and it becomes more tactical than explosive,” he said. “But I’m not here to be in boring fights. That’s not who I am.” Both Page and Patterson had prior experience training around similar systems, leading to a cautious, low-risk fight that never found rhythm.
Criticism From All Sides
The bout didn’t just frustrate fans it drew criticism from within the sport. UFC commentator Joe Rogan called it a “crazy bad fight” and questioned the matchmaking behind it. The lack of action reportedly even led to Dana White leaving the arena early a rare sign of dissatisfaction from the promotion’s leadership.
Page improved to 25-3 overall and now holds four wins in his last five UFC appearances.
That includes notable victories over:
- Shara Magomedov
- Jared Cannonier
But there’s a growing concern: He hasn’t recorded a finish since his Bellator days. For a fighter known for highlight-reel knockouts, that shift matters especially in a UFC landscape that rewards excitement as much as results.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
