Michael Page is far from happy with the UFC’s approach to his recent matchmaking.
Page finally made his highly anticipated Octagon debut at UFC 299 in March 2024, where he scored a dominant unanimous decision victory over promotional mainstay Kevin Holland. “Venom” returned to action later that year at UFC 303 in June, but fell short against Ian Machado Garry.
The former Bellator standout bounced back in impressive fashion in 2025, first handing Shara Magomedov his first career loss at UFC Saudi Arabia before scoring a decision victory over former title challenger Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 in August.
With that momentum, many expected Page to be paired with higher-ranked opponents, but that expectation fell short when his next matchup was announced. However, that expectation did not materialize as “Venom” will now face unranked welterweight Sam Patterson at UFC London on March 21 at the O2 Arena in London, United Kingdom.
Michael Page seems as surprised as many fans by the UFC’s decision, even wondering if the promotion’s leadership might not be too pleased with him.
Michael Page wonders why UFC paired him with unranked Sam Patterson
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Michael Page shared his thoughts on his upcoming clash with Sam Patterson UFC London. “Venom” expressed disappointment with the promotion’s matchmaking, suggesting that facing an unranked opponent at this stage of his career feels like a step in the wrong direction in terms of profile and recognition.
“Not [a fight] that I expected or even looked for,” Page said. “It’s annoying for me because it’s not just an opponent who feels lower on the ladder; he’s also someone I’ve worked with before in preparation for other fights, so I know him well, so it’s another reason why I didn’t really want this fight. All the more so because again I came here for big fights, I came here for big names, since my last fight I have asked for absolutely everyone, and for various reasons it seems that no one is willing to take the fight.
“It’s definitely not a fight I was looking for… Definitely not a fight I wanted… I’m not sure what winning a fight like this means other than a potential highlight reel. I don’t feel like I’m in good favor with the UFC right now… I would have felt like a name like me, I felt like I would have been put in the position [higher on the card]… I feel like I upset someone….”
Michael Page currently holds a 3-1 record in the UFC and boasts an overall professional mark of 24-3, highlighted by 13 knockout victories against notable opponents such as Goiti Yamauchi, Derek Anderson and Shinsho Anzai.
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