Michael 'Venom' Page is preparing for a pivotal moment in his career as he approaches the final fight of his UFC contract. The seasoned fighter will face off against Nursulton Ruziboev in Paris this Saturday, a bout that could significantly influence his future in mixed martial arts.
At 39 years old, Page has had a varied journey in the UFC since joining the organization in 2024. Over the course of five fights, he has secured four victories, all by decision, showcasing his striking prowess but also raising questions about his ability to finish fights. Despite his reputation for exciting striking, Page himself acknowledges that he has yet to deliver the kind of performances that fans and the UFC might expect.
"I’m still buzzing to be in this game, but then there’s also [the fact] I feel like I haven’t delivered what I wanted to deliver," Page commented, reflecting on his time in the octagon. He expressed a sense of misalignment with the UFC, suggesting that the relationship has changed since he first joined. Page's goal for this fight is clear: to remind the UFC of the reasons they brought him into the organization.
Frustration has been a recurring theme for Page, particularly regarding the frequency of his fights. He has openly questioned why he has not been booked more often, which has added to his sense of urgency as he heads into this matchup. Notably, Page has competed twice at middleweight, achieving victories against both Sharabutdin Magomedov and Jared Cannonier, despite being primarily known as a welterweight.
Ruziboev, who is 32 years old, presents a formidable challenge for Page. The Uzbek fighter made his UFC debut in 2024 and has amassed an impressive record, with 20 submissions to his name and four stoppages in five wins, alongside just one loss. As an underdog in this matchup, Ruziboev will be looking to capitalize on any openings against the more experienced Page.
As Page prepares to enter free agency following this fight, he could become a sought-after talent for various promotions, especially given his extensive background with Bellator. However, he remains focused on his current fight and is eager to have discussions with the UFC afterward. "This fight is important to re-establish myself with the UFC," he stated. Page is keen to understand what the organization expects from him moving forward, emphasizing the importance of having clear targets to work towards.
The bout between Page and Ruziboev is part of a compelling main card for UFC Paris, which also features matchups like Dan Hooker against Salahdine Parnasse and Daniil Donchenko facing Punahele Soriano. With the stakes high for Page, fans will be eagerly anticipating how this fight unfolds and what it means for his future in the sport.
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