LAS VEGAS — Michael “Venom” Page has spent most of his combat sports career making opponents uncomfortable with one of the most unusual striking styles in MMA. Now he’s entering a world where striking won’t help him at all. Page will compete against former Bellator middleweight champion Alexander Shlemenko in a freestyle wrestling match at RAF 14 on October 3 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
The cruiserweight matchup was announced Wednesday and adds another intriguing crossover bout to a card headlined by Arman Tsarukyan against Dillon Danis. For Page, it’s another chance to step outside his comfort zone.
Page is known almost entirely for what he can do on his feet. His movement, distance management and unconventional attacks helped make him one of Bellator’s most recognizable fighters before he eventually joined the UFC.
That’s what makes this matchup so interesting. There will be no highlight-reel flying knees or perfectly timed counter punches here. Page will have to rely on an entirely different part of his combat sports arsenal. He’ll be doing it against another highly experienced MMA veteran.
Shlemenko Brings Nearly 90 MMA Fights
Shlemenko, 42, is no stranger to longtime MMA fans. The Russian veteran became one of Bellator’s premier middleweights, winning the promotion’s championship and successfully defending the belt three times. He also captured multiple Bellator tournament victories during his lengthy run with the organization.
Shlemenko has accumulated an extraordinary 89 professional MMA fights and remains active, most recently competing for ACA in Russia in June. That makes RAF 14 something of a reunion between two fighters whose names became synonymous with Bellator during different periods of the promotion’s history. This time, however, they’ll meet on the wrestling mat rather than inside an MMA cage.
Tsarukyan vs. Danis Headlines RAF 14
Page-Shlemenko won’t be the only MMA crossover attraction on the October 3 card. RAF 14 will be headlined by UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan against Dillon Danis. Giving the event another matchup involving recognizable names from the MMA world.
But Page might be the night’s biggest curiosity. Fans already know what Michael “Venom” Page looks like when he’s allowed to strike. On October 3, they’ll find out what happens when one of MMA’s most creative stand-up fighters isn’t allowed to throw a single punch.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
