Michael Page’s UFC Journey Hits a Snag: Has the ‘MVP’ Fallen Out of Favor?
Michael Page, the former Bellator sensation, finds himself in a perplexing situation within the UFC. After a highly anticipated arrival in 2024, Page has largely impressed, boasting a 3-1 record in the octagon with victories over notable fighters like Jared Cannonier, the previously undefeated Shara Bullet, and Kevin Holland. Yet, his upcoming bout against Sam Patterson at UFC London on March 21 feels like a puzzling step backward. Page himself is scratching his head, wondering if he’s inadvertently rubbed someone the wrong way. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could Page’s lack of a knockout finish in the UFC be the reason matchmakers are hesitant to pair him with bigger names? Or is there something more behind the scenes?
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Page expressed his confusion about his placement on the card and the choice of opponent. ‘You look at the co-main event, you look at the whole card in general, and it’s not the most exciting,’ he said. ‘I would have felt that a name like myself being on that card, I’m always going to go and show out, always make noise as I’ve always done, but I’m being positioned on the card in a weird way.’ Page’s frustration is palpable, especially given his reputation for spectacular finishes during his decade-long Bellator run. However, in the UFC, he’s yet to secure a knockout, leaving him to speculate whether this is the reason for his seemingly lackluster matchmaking.
‘I think the only thing I could suggest is I haven’t had a finish,’ Page admitted. ‘Maybe they’ve looked to pair me with someone known for spectacular finishes, and I haven’t quite achieved that yet.’ And this is the part most people miss: Despite the lack of finishes, Page believes he’s delivered exciting fights that have been promoted by the UFC itself. ‘I feel like even though I haven’t got the finish, I’ve put on a show,’ he added. Yet, the question remains: Is the UFC’s hesitation rooted in his performance, or is there another factor at play?
Adding to the complexity, Patterson is no pushover. With four consecutive first-round wins, he’s a rising talent in the welterweight division who could leap into contender conversations with a win over Page. To make matters more intriguing, the two have trained together in the past and share a friendly relationship. This dynamic raises another layer of uncertainty: Will their history affect the fight’s outcome?
Page’s struggles extend beyond this matchup. After his victory over Cannonier at UFC 319 in August, he eagerly sought his next opponent but repeatedly hit roadblocks. The welterweight division, he noted, feels like a ‘traffic jam,’ with opportunities stalled as the division awaits champion Islam Makhachev’s next title fight. Frustrated, Page even questioned whether the UFC was being transparent about potential matchups. ‘It got to a point where I was like, ‘Is the UFC lying about stuff?’ he said. ‘Because the amount of times somebody’s name came across and they were like, ‘Oh no, they’re not going to take it,’ it’s like, ‘Yeah, they’re not interested in fighting MVP.’
Page’s unorthodox standup style, once his greatest asset, may now be working against him. ‘The anomaly of my style is now kind of biting me a little bit,’ he explained. ‘It makes people more hesitant to accept this kind of fight.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: Has Page’s unique style become a double-edged sword, both attracting fans and deterring potential opponents?
As Page prepares to face Patterson, the stakes are high for both fighters. For Patterson, it’s a chance to prove himself against a seasoned veteran. For Page, it’s an opportunity to reclaim his momentum and prove he still belongs in the spotlight. But here’s the real question for you: Is the UFC underutilizing Michael Page, or is this matchup simply a reflection of where he stands in his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
