Michael 'Venom' Page books next fight following UFC departure

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Michael ‘Venom’ Page is wasting no time getting his career back on track following his UFC release.

A late move to the UFC in 2024 led many to believe that Page had wasted his best years outside of the sport’s premier organization. Without much expectation on his name upon his arrival due to age and the rise in talent compared to his former promotion, the Brit was considered just a welcome addition to the roster by fans. Both of those beliefs turned out to be wrong.

Firstly, aside from a decision loss to Ian Machado Garry, Page wasn’t just a name on the roster; he was one of the best fighters in the division. He departed the company with a stellar 5-1 record. He showed a capability and willingness to pick fighters apart from range, frustrate them, and stroll his way to victory. And that was his biggest downfall.

Because while he was, in fact, winning fights, he was doing so without taking risks or delivering showstopping performances as he did earlier in his career, and there lies the problem. The UFC is much like its feeder show, the Contender Series. If you’re entertaining, win or lose, you’ll likely have a home under its roof. But show that you’re difficult to manage and work with, or be comfortable just getting your hand raised no matter how you perform, you’re cut. For Page, it was the latter.

Since his departure, Michael ‘Venom’ Page has been receiving multiple offers from everyone. A sought-after talent in the final stages of his career, looking to find a home somewhere in the combat sports world. There are many good options to choose from, with Ki MMA and MVP MMA already announcing their interest in the free agent.

Before he decides where his next destination will be, Page has a fight lined up. Taking his chances at wrestling, the 39-year-old will collide with Alexander Shlemenko at RAF 14.

The event is set to be headlined by Arman Tsarukyan and Dillon Danis, and goes live from Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 23.