LAS VEGAS — Michael “Venom” Page’s UFC run appears to be over. Considering his record inside the Octagon, the ending may come as a surprise. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Tuesday that the promotion does not expect to re-sign Page after the 39-year-old completed his contract with a unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev Saturday in Paris.
Page (26-3 MMA) was subsequently removed from UFC rankings eligibility Monday, immediately fueling speculation that his time with the promotion had come to an end.
White didn’t leave much room for interpretation when asked about Page’s status. “That was the last fight on his contract,” White said. “I don’t think we’re re-signing him, no.”
When pressed about Page being removed from the rankings, White made the situation even clearer. “What’s the confusion?” White said. “I think it’s been pretty clear he wasn’t being re-signed and that he would be taken out of the rankings because he’s no longer on the roster.”
Just like that, one of MMA’s most unconventional fighters appears headed back to free agency.
Page Leaves UFC With a 5-1 Record
The decision is particularly interesting because Page didn’t exactly struggle during his UFC tenure. He went 5-1. Page earned victories over Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov, Jared Cannonier, Sam Patterson and Ruziboev.
His only UFC defeat came against Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision. On paper, that’s an impressive run. Page entered the UFC relatively late in his career after spending a decade building his reputation in Bellator. Despite questions about how his unusual striking style would translate against UFC competition, Page proved he could compete with high-level opponents.
But there was one noticeable difference between the Michael Page who became famous in Bellator and the version UFC fans saw. The finishes disappeared. All six of Page’s UFC fights went to the judges’ scorecards.
For a fighter who built his reputation around spectacular knockouts, unpredictable attacks and memorable celebrations, Page never quite produced the signature UFC finish many expected when he joined the promotion.
Why Would UFC Move On From a Fighter Who Went 5-1?
Page’s age is impossible to ignore. At 39, the UFC would be investing in a fighter whose remaining competitive window is considerably shorter than most contenders.
His UFC fights also lacked the explosive finishes that helped make him a star earlier in his career. Page himself has repeatedly acknowledged that issue and spoken about wanting to make his performances more exciting. He reiterated that desire following Saturday’s victory in Paris.
There is also Page’s willingness to publicly discuss UFC business practices, something that generated attention outside the cage during his run with the company.
Whatever ultimately drove the decision, White’s comments indicate the promotion has decided six fights were enough. That creates an unusual resume for Page’s UFC chapter.
He wasn’t released following a losing streak. He didn’t appear physically incapable of competing with UFC-level opposition. Or wasn’t exposed against the division’s elite. Page went 5-1 and won his final fight. The UFC is apparently moving on anyway.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page Could Become a Valuable Free Agent
Now things get interesting. Page may be approaching 40, but his name recognition and unconventional fighting style could make him an attractive free agent.
There are several possibilities. Scott Coker, the former Bellator president who helped oversee much of Page’s rise, is preparing to launch a new combat sports promotion. A reunion between the two would immediately generate attention.
There’s also PFL, where Page has obvious connections through his Bellator history, particularly with Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions becoming involved with the organization. Page has already demonstrated that he’s willing to experiment outside traditional MMA.
In 2022, he crossed over into bare-knuckle boxing for a one-off appearance with BKFC, losing a majority decision to Mike Perry. That history means another unconventional move shouldn’t be dismissed.
Page could pursue MMA, boxing, bare-knuckle competition or potentially a combination of them. For the first time since leaving Bellator, he’ll seemingly have the freedom to determine exactly what comes next.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
