MVP is no longer a UFC fighter.
A former Bellator MMA title challenger, Michael “Venom” Page arrived to the UFC with much fanfare, and posted a 5-1 record with the promotion, most recently defeating Nursulton Ruziboev this past Saturday at UFC Paris.
Despite MVP’s level of success, the promotion has opted not to re-sign him, with Saturday’s trip to Paris the last fight owed on his UFC deal.
Almost without question, the lack of finishes from the English striker, and low-action fights that saw opponents fearful to engage, appear to be a large factor in the promotion passing on an otherwise sizeable star. All of Page’s wins in the company went the distance, as did his lone loss.
Earlier this week, as noted by veteran journalist John Morgan, Page’s name was removed from the list of rankings-eligible UFC fighters. Following Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series (Week 5 of the current tenth season), White himself addressed the matter.
“That was his last fight on his contract,” stated White (h/t Championship Rounds). “I don’t think we’re signing him, no.”
“What’s the confusion? I think it’s been pretty clear that he wasn’t being re-signed, and that he would be taken out of the rankings because he wasn’t on the roster.”
The UFC’s matchmakers did Page no favors. After defeating popular names like Kevin Holland and Shara Bullet (Page’s only UFC loss was to Ian Machado Garry, who just fought for the welterweight title), they booked him against the likes of Sam Patterson and Ruziboev. They also had a potential title contender splitting time between middleweight and welterweight.
Page should have options moving forward: either MVP to MVP (the PFL, set to become part of Most Valuable Promotions), or perhaps to Scott Coker’s new promotion.
