In a highly anticipated bout in Paris, Michael 'Venom' Page concluded his UFC contract with a unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev. However, the outcome was met with disappointment from the crowd, who had hoped for a more explosive performance from the renowned striker.
Page, a London native, entered the octagon with a reputation for delivering highlight-reel knockouts, having previously secured 13 such finishes in his career. Despite this, since joining the UFC in 2024, he has struggled to replicate that knockout power, winning all five of his UFC fights by decision. This latest bout was no exception, as Page's performance failed to live up to the expectations of his fans.
During the fight, Page showcased his striking skills with a few notable moments, including a kick that visibly affected Ruziboev. However, the lack of a decisive finish led to a growing sense of frustration among the audience. Page's striking statistics reflected this, as he landed just 12 significant strikes compared to Ruziboev's eight throughout the match.
Prior to the fight, Page acknowledged his need to re-establish himself within the UFC, a sentiment he expressed after the bout. "This fight was important to re-establish myself with the UFC," he stated, although he admitted that he did not achieve the finish he desired. His performance, characterized by moments of showboating and evasive maneuvers, ultimately fell short of the explosive action fans had hoped for.
As Page's arm was raised in victory, the jeers from the crowd echoed the sentiment of disappointment rather than celebration. With his contract now expired, Page faces uncertainty regarding his next steps, with potential options including a move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or a transition to boxing.
In other bouts on the card, British fighter Kurtis Campbell achieved a significant victory by submitting American Trevor Peek in the third round with a rear-naked choke. This win marked a return to form for Campbell, who had previously lost his UFC debut earlier in the year. The 24-year-old expressed his determination to prove himself, stating, "I know my debut didn’t go the way I wanted it to but I’m here to show I’m the real deal and the future is bright."
Meanwhile, Nathaniel Wood faced a setback as he lost by unanimous decision to Moldova's Pavel Andrusca, ending his four-fight win streak. Andrusca, who stepped in as a late replacement for Wood's original opponent, extended his unbeaten run to nine fights, further complicating Wood's path in the division.
Looking ahead, the UFC continues to evolve, with upcoming events including UFC 322 on October 3 in Salt Lake City, where Brazil's Natalia Silva is set to fight for the vacant flyweight title against China's Wang Cong. This title opportunity comes after former champion Valentina Shevchenko vacated the belt due to injury, leaving the division open for new contenders.
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