Full Breakdown
UFC London: Joe Rogan Critiques Michael Page vs. Sam Patterson Matchup
3/23/2026, 9:59:47 PM
Overview of the Fight
On March 21, 2026, Michael "Venom" Page faced Sam Patterson in a welterweight bout at UFC London, held at The O2 Arena. Page won the fight by unanimous decision, but the contest was widely criticized for its lack of action, with both fighters landing a combined total of only 39 significant strikes over the 15-minute duration. The fight has been described as one of the worst in recent memory, prompting significant backlash from fans and commentators alike.
Joe Rogan's Critique
UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who was not on the official commentary team but recorded a Fight Companion podcast during the event, expressed strong disapproval of the fight. He labeled it "crazy bad" and suggested that the matchmakers were at fault for pairing two former training partners against each other. Rogan stated, “It’s interesting that they didn’t think of this when they booked this fight... Maybe it’s like, you can’t get anybody to fight ‘Venom’ Page in London?” He emphasized that the matchup was poorly conceived, as both fighters were familiar with each other's styles, which likely contributed to the lack of engagement in the fight.
Impact on Fighters
The outcome of the fight had significant implications for both Page and Patterson. For Patterson, the loss halted a four-fight winning streak and placed him in the spotlight for participating in what many deemed a lackluster performance. Rogan noted that while Patterson fought smartly, he ultimately limited Page's ability to showcase his striking skills. Conversely, Page, despite securing the victory, may have suffered reputational damage, as Rogan pointed out that opponents might now adopt a strategy of avoiding engagement against him, having seen how Patterson approached the fight.
Official Responses
UFC President Dana White echoed Rogan's sentiments, admitting at the post-fight press conference that he also found the fight to be subpar. White's acknowledgment of the fight's quality reflects a broader concern within the organization regarding match quality and fan satisfaction.
Future Considerations
Looking ahead, the matchmaking for Page will be crucial. Both Rogan and Page have expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of his fight bookings, with Page seeking more competitive opponents. The UFC's approach to Page's next fight will be closely monitored, as fans and analysts alike hope for a matchup that promises more excitement and engagement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This might be the least action of any fight ever, next to Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou,” — Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
- “It’s literally the last guy you want to fight a style like that, someone who understands it.” — Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
In summary, the fight between Michael Page and Sam Patterson at UFC London has sparked significant discussion regarding matchmaking practices within the UFC, highlighting the need for more engaging bouts to satisfy fans and maintain fighter reputations.
