You’d be forgiven for asking why Michael “Venom” Page was paired up with Sam Patterson at UFC London on Saturday.
You’d likewise be forgiven for wondering why he wasn’t deserving of a co-main event spot.
The promotion, for reasons known only to them, had opted to relegate arguably the biggest name on the UFC London line-up to midway through the main card. The “MVP” chant as Page made his walk to the octagon underscored his status at the O2 Arena in London, England.
Patterson, a former training partner of Page who had been mostly overlooked in the build-up, stayed outside early, staying on his horse and away from Page’s dangerous striking. Page went to the body, with his usual hands-low style, looking loose and trying to lure Patterson into the a counter. From there, something of a chess match played out, MVP on the hunt, Patterson refusing to get too close. Fans didn’t pay to see a chess match, however.
At the end of the round, Page fired a head kick that was blocked, and a back fist that was also blocked.
An MVP chant erupted to start the second, as both men took swings without either landing clean. When Patterson moved forward, he was hitting air. Page was having slightly more success with his advances, which likely had him up in the fight. Patterson finally closed the distance and clinched up, looking to test Page’s takedown defense. Page quickly peeled Patterson off him, moving back to center.
The boo-birds had returned, as Page bounced on his feet, looking for an opening. When Patterson came in next, he was tagged by a Page counter. A clinch followed, but again Patterson could not land the takedown.
Patterson came out a little hotter to start the third, connecting on Page about a minute in. Page was on his heels more a bit, with the pair ending up in a clinch. Page reversed, but wound up against the fence again moments later. Had Patterson gone this route earlier, it might have been a path to victory, but he likely needed a finish. It wasn’t the be found, with the fight instead going the distance.
Not what anyone had hoped for, but Michael Page came away with the unanimous decision victory.
Official Result: Michael Page def. Sam Patterson by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
