Michael Page has been trying to find marquee matchups in the Ultimate Fighting Championship for a while, without any luck.
Page (25-3) is scheduled to face Nursulton Ruziboev (37-9) in a middleweight clash at UFC Paris on Sept. 5. While Page acknowledges Ruziboev as a worthy opponent, it’s not the matchup “Venom” was eyeing. The Brit claims he has been trying to find opponents with big names for his past three outings. However, he has not been able to secure a desired matchup in a while.
Michael “Venom” Page explains frustration with UFC matchmaking before UFC Paris fight
The former Bellator standout has openly expressed his frustration with the UFC’s matchmaking. Page believes he has reached the pinnacle of the sport and is surprised by his inability to secure high-profile matchups.
“In all honesty, it’s been frustrating,” Page told Ariel Helwani. “I feel like it’s crazy that I’ve reached the pinnacle of MMA and trying to get a name in the Top 10 seems very, very difficult… It’s excuse after excuse. Then we send another slate of names, and the same thing happens… Nursulton is a tough opponent. But I was seeking bigger names, and I have been for the last three fights. Nobody seems to want to step in there… I’m genuinely asking for everybody. It just feels crazy that I’m competing in the toughest combat sport in the world, surrounded by the toughest guys, and it’s this hard to get those fights.”
Page is 4-1 in the UFC, with his only loss coming against Ian Garry, who challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title next. While he was known for his highlight reel finishes in Bellator, the Englishman’s performances in the UFC have been lackluster and he’s yet to find a finish inside the Octagon.
Page also revealed that his upcoming clash against Ruziboev is the last fight on his current UFC contract. While the 39-year-old hopes to continue fighting in the UFC, he is not confident that the promotion will be interested in a renewal.
