Since joining the UFC in March 2024, Michael Venom Page has been on the watchlist of every fan wanting to see his elite striking skills. The flashy striker has a highlight reel package comparable to any combat athlete and now resides in the sport’s top organization.
At the start of February, MVP made his way out to Saudi Arabia to compete at middleweight for the first time in the UFC. He faced another slick striker in Shara Magomedov, who boasted an unbeaten record at 15-0 and was coming off the back of a viral KO. Unfortunately for fans, the fight did not ignite as many had hoped. Tt became a point-scoring fight, in which Page was far superior and cruised to a unanimous decision victory. Handing Magomedov a career first defeat on ‘home turf’ is an excellent feather in the cap, and a return to welterweight could be in the cards.
At 37 years of age it is fair to say Page could well be entering the twilight of his career however, the Brit has reiterated he is just as quick as he was in the early stages of his career. Therefore, that awkward style could well be around for years to come, and the dream fight for Page is an all-British clash with former 170lbs champion Leon Edwards. After a disappointing and flat performance at UFC 304, Edwards will return to the cage on March 22nd for a UFC Fight Night in London. The O2 Arena has been a happy stomping ground for Edwards. All four UFC appearances in the O2 produced wins in the nation’s capital. Ascending Australian Jack Della Maddalena faces off with the former king in his biggest opportunity to date. With a record of 17-2, it will prove a very tough contest for Edwards.
Michael Venom Page vs Leon Edwards Next?
The opportunities are endless for MVP following his win in Riyadh, including the possibility to remain at 185lbs or drop back down to 170lbs where he has maintained his ranking. The result of UFC London’s main event could be crucial in the decision Page makes. Furthermore, Belal Muhammed claimed the belt from Edwards in such dominant fashion that a rematch is not immediately likely unless Edwards lights the world up in March with a big finish. For that reason, even if Edwards is victorious, another fight before a return to gold will be on the cards. Now, Brit on Brit violence is an easy selling point that the UFC could well get behind however, Page may need another welterweight win before he gets the shot at ‘Rocky’.
Speaking with Mirror Fighting, Page expressed his desire for the fight, “You’re preaching to the choir, that’s a dream! Obviously, when Leon had the belt, that was something I would speak about quite regularly. I would love all those things. You didn’t miss a trick, I would love every single one of those things.” He followed stating , “I think it would be exceptional, obviously for my career, but just for British combat sports. So many of the young and upcoming guys that are trying to progress in the sport, so many that want to do the sport, it’ll inspire many I think and I think it’d be an exciting fight in general.”
Would you like to see MVP return to 170lbs or stick around at 185lbs?
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