Michael "Venom" Page makes plea to remain in UFC after contract expires

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Michael “Venom” Page is now a free agent after the expiration of his UFC contract on Saturday.

The Brit had long been a target for the UFC before making the jump over from Bellator, where he put on many show-stopping performances and delivered viral, highlight-calibre knockouts throughout the decade he spent in their cage. Now 38-years-old, Page is approaching the tail end of his career, but his aspirations are bigger than ever.

Winning five of his six outings since signing with the UFC—with his sole loss coming against former title challenger Ian Machado Garry—Michael “Venom” Page is keen to pick up where he left off, but knows that may not be possible. Speaking to the media after his win at UFC Paris, Page spoke about his future in the company.

“They weren’t happy with me before. They’re not going to be happy with me now,” Page said. “Again, you know, I want to challenge for a belt. I want to push forward; I want to be in this company. It’s an amazing company to work for. To be a part of. The crowd, as you can see, the fan base in the UFC is just immense. You guys all make up for the UFC being a place that every aspiring fighter wants to be.”

“But again, whether after that performance again, because it just feels like it’s the same thing. So, if I put myself in their shoes, it’s like, again, it’s the same thing. You know, we can sign him again, but are we going to see much more?”

Disappointed with his lackluster display, Page knows he can do more. The fan favorite gave UFC staff an open invitation to his gym sessions, likely where he does his best work, but he knows it only matters under the bright lights.

“Annoyingly, if they came to the gym and they saw me train and they saw what I can do, [it would be different]. But it’s not important there. It’s most important out here under the lights. And again, I just need to be better.”

“Hopefully, they can see something special in me. Even with the way that I can engage with the crowd and how I can lift the crowd. It’s just that last bit, which I know I have in me and people have seen in me, which is why I have such a good fan base. But let’s see if they see that.”

Ultimately, whether he remains with the UFC or takes his talents elsewhere, Michael “Venom” Page insists he is proud of his time with the organization.