Despite a 5-1 Record, the UFC Lets Michael Page Walk

Michael “Venom” Page won five of his six UFC fights. There will not be a seventh one for the foreseeable future.

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the promotion does not intend to renew the 39-year-old Briton’s expired contract. Page’s unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris was the final bout on his deal.

“That was his last fight on his contract. I don’t think we’re signing him,” White said. Page had already been removed from the UFC rankings by that point. He was not released following a defeat. His contract expired, and the UFC chose not to offer another one.

A winner without a new contract

On paper, the decision is remarkable. Page leaves the UFC with a 5-1 promotional record. His only defeat came against Ian Machado Garry, and he has since won four consecutive fights. His overall MMA record now stands at 26-3.

What Page failed to produce inside the Octagon was a finish. None of his six UFC appearances ended with the spectacular knockout that made him one of the most recognisable strikers of his generation.

His victory over Ruziboev followed the same pattern. Page controlled much of the contest, but the lack of sustained exchanges prompted boos from the Paris crowd.

White did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision. The context nevertheless appears significant: Page kept winning, but his performances did not consistently deliver the kind of decisive spectacle the UFC seemingly expected from him.

The criticism does not tell the full story. Page is most dangerous when opponents move towards him and provide openings for his speed and counter-striking. Several UFC opponents refused to take those risks. Their caution forced Page into a more measured approach as well.

It created the paradox CS.C examined after UFC Paris: one of the sport’s most creative strikers became associated with slow fights because his opponents were unwilling to engage with him.

Jake Paul opens the door to MVP MMA

The most obvious destination happens to share Page’s initials.

Jake Paul responded publicly to the news by writing: “Think it’s time to bring MVP to MVP.” He was referring to MVP MMA, the mixed martial arts operation created following the merger between Most Valuable Promotions and the PFL. It is not a confirmed signing, but it is the clearest public indication of interest so far.

The move would make sense. The combined company operates across MMA and boxing, retains the PFL’s international distribution infrastructure and has presented itself as a fighter-first destination for prominent free agents.

Page would also be familiar to much of its audience from his years in Bellator. MVP MMA would not have to introduce his style or personality. It could build selected events around them.

BKFC wants him back

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is another concrete possibility.

BKFC president Dave Feldman has said that the promotion would welcome Page back. Page previously faced Mike Perry under the BKFC banner in 2022, losing a close majority decision.

Feldman believes the bare-knuckle format would force Page into more frequent exchanges and produce the excitement that was missing from several of his UFC performances.

It may be the most immediately spectacular option, but also the most physically punishing. A major one-off fight could be lucrative. Whether BKFC can offer the longer-term sporting direction Page wants is less certain.

Could OKTAGON enter the picture?

OKTAGON MMA would be an intriguing European alternative.

Page remains a recognisable name in Britain and across the continent. His personality and distinctive fighting style would suit the promotion’s focus on large arena events and strongly presented individual stories.

He could be used for a major British event or one of OKTAGON’s large German shows without necessarily requiring a long route towards a championship.

There is currently no public evidence of talks between Page and OKTAGON. Unlike the interest from MVP MMA and BKFC, this remains a theoretical possibility rather than an active lead.

RIZIN and KSW could also provide prominent international stages, but neither promotion has publicly entered the conversation.

Page still has choices

Michael Page is not leaving the UFC after a sporting collapse. He leaves on a four-fight winning streak, with a 26-3 record and a name that continues to attract attention.

MVP MMA appears to offer the most logical long-term platform. BKFC promises the most immediate spectacle. OKTAGON would be the most interesting European wildcard.

The UFC never found the defining moment it expected from Page. His next promotion may succeed by doing something different: building the right stage around him.