Michael 'Venom' Page is fuming, and it’s not hard to see why. The UFC’s decision to pair him with Sam Patterson at UFC London has left him scratching his head and questioning his standing with the promotion. After all, this is a fighter who’s proven himself time and again, with wins over heavyweights like Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov, and Jared Cannonier since joining the UFC in 2024. His only loss? A single defeat to Ian Machado Garry in June 2024. So, why is he now facing an unranked welterweight prospect like Patterson? And this is the part most people miss: Despite his success and a recent move back to the 170-pound division, Page finds himself outside the rankings, fighting an opponent he’s not only familiar with but also feels is a step backward in his career.
Page didn’t hold back in his frustration, telling MMAJunkie, ‘It’s not just an opponent that feels further down the ladder; he’s someone I’ve worked with before. I came here for big fights, big names.’ His sentiment is clear: he’s here to make waves, not tread water. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could Page’s fight style be working against him? While he’s dominated opponents, his wins have all come by decision, and the UFC has been vocal about favoring ‘exciting’ fighters. Is Page being penalized for his strategic approach? Or is this matchup a subtle message from the promotion?
Patterson, meanwhile, is no pushover. He’s riding a four-fight win streak since moving up from lightweight, but let’s be honest—this isn’t the high-profile matchup Page was hoping for. Adding insult to injury, the fight is slated as the main card opener, leaving Page feeling undervalued. ‘I don’t feel like I’m in good favor with the UFC at the moment,’ he admitted. ‘It feels like I’ve upset somebody.’
But here’s the real question: Is the UFC sidelining Page because of his style, or is this just a mismatch in matchmaking? And what does this mean for fighters who prioritize strategy over spectacle? Let’s not forget, Page moved up to middleweight after his loss to Garry, secured two impressive wins, and earned a spot in the rankings—only to return to welterweight and face this. It’s a head-scratcher, to say the least.
Controversial take: Could the UFC be sending a message to fighters like Page—adapt or be left behind? Or is this just a misstep in matchmaking? Weigh in below. And while you’re at it, tell us: Who do you think has the best walkout in UFC history? Comment your pick—let’s keep the debate alive!
