Published On: Thu, Feb 12th, 2026

Michael ‘Venom’ Page frustrated by UFC London booking

Photo by Joe Maher/WWE via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Maher/WWE via Getty Images

Michael ‘Venom’ Page isn’t impressed with how the UFC is handling promotion for his upcoming fight in London.

Since signing with the UFC in 2024, Michael ‘Venom’ Page has only suffered one loss in the cage, with that coming against Ian Machado Garry in June 2024.

The 38-year-old has picked up victories over Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov and Jared Cannonier during his time with the promotion so far.

Pictured at a UFC event. However, despite his proven track record, Venom is set to face unranked welterweight prospect Sam Patterson at UFC London on March 21.

Michael Page questions UFC relationship after surprise fight booking

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

After losing to the Irishman, Page decided to step up to middleweight, where he put together two strong performances that earned him a place in the rankings.

Even though he’s ranked at 185 pounds, his move back down to 170 has seen him placed outside the rankings against an unranked opponent, a situation that’s left the 38-year-old frustrated.

Patterson, meanwhile, is on a four-fight win streak since making the move up from lightweight.

Page feels overlooked by the promotion due to both the matchmaking and his spot as the main card opener.

“Not (a fight) that I expected or was even looking for,” Page told MMAJunkie.

“It’s annoying for me because it’s not just an opponent that feels further down the ladder, he’s also someone that I’ve worked with before as well in preparation for other fights, so I know him well, so it’s another reason why I didn’t really want to have this fight.

“More so because again, I came here for big fights, I came here for big names. Since my last fight I’ve been asking for absolutely everybody and for different reasons it seems no one is willing to take the fight.

“It’s definitely not the fight I was looking for… Definitely not a fight I wanted… I’m not sure what winning a fight like this means outside of a potential highlight reel.”

Michael Page may be paying the price for his fighting approach

Despite picking up wins over notable opponents since joining the UFC, he hasn’t managed to secure a finish yet, with all his victories coming via decision.

In recent months, there’s been growing talk that the UFC is starting to penalise fighters who aren’t considered particularly entertaining.

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