Michael Page Seeks New UFC Deal After 5 Wins in 6 Fights

Q: Can a stellar 5-1 UFC record be considered a failure if the world's most entertaining striker suddenly stops delivering knockouts?

No. A 5-1 UFC record is not a failure, but for Michael “Venom” Page it can still be judged as a disappointment relative to expectations. On results alone, Page’s run was strong. He beat Kevin Holland, Sharabutdin Magomedov, Jared Cannonier, Sam Patterson and Nursulton Ruziboev, with his only loss coming to Ian Machado Garry. Most fighters would gladly take that record, especially after arriving in the UFC at age 38 and switching between welterweight and middleweight. The issue is that Page was not signed merely to win rounds. He came to the UFC with a reputation as one of MMA’s most inventive and entertaining strikers, built on highlight-reel Bellator knockouts. Instead, all six of his UFC fights went to decision. His latest win in Paris drew boos at times, and the broader criticism has been consistent: effective, but cautious; stylish in moments, but not decisive. That distinction matters in the UFC. The promotion values winning, but it also rewards fighters who create memorable finishes, generate buzz and look like viable title threats. Page himself acknowledged that his live performances have not matched what he shows in training and that he needs to take more risks under the lights. So the fairest reading is this: Page’s UFC stint was a sporting success, but not the kind of star-making success that his talent and persona promised. If he had delivered even one or two signature knockouts, his contract situation and title push would likely look very different.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 6

38-year-old Michael "Venom" Page became a free agent Saturday and publicly urged the UFC to keep him after his contract expired.
Page said he still wants a title run and to stay in the promotion, but doubts UFC executives were convinced by his latest performance at UFC Paris.
5 wins in 6 UFC outings have strengthened his case, with his only loss coming against former title challenger Ian Machado Garry.
Page called his UFC stint a point of pride either way, while acknowledging he must show more "under the lights" if he is to earn a new deal.