Full Breakdown
Michael “Venom” Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Set for UFC Paris on Sept. 5
7/15/2026, 9:18:24 PM
Core Event
Britain’s Michael “Venom” Page will meet Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev in a middle-weight bout at the Accor Arena in Paris on Sept. 5. The fight marks Page’s return to 185 lb after a welter-weight win over Sam Patterson in March, while Ruziboev arrives on a three-fight UFC winning streak.
Background & Context
Page signed with the UFC in 2023 after nine years in Bellator, where he earned a reputation for flashy striking. He has compiled a 4-1 UFC record, including middle-weight victories over Shara Magomedov and Jared Cannonier in 2025 before dropping to welterweight for the Patterson fight. Ruziboev, 32, entered the UFC in 2023, posting a 5-1 UFC record; his sole UFC loss came at welterweight against Joaquin Buckley in May 2024. He has since re-established himself at middleweight with a first-round submission of Andrey Pulyaev at UFC Baku in June.
Key Figures & Groups
- Michael “Venom” Page – 39-year-old British striker, former Bellator star, known for long-range karate-based attacks.
- Nursulton Ruziboev – 32-year-old Uzbek finisher, 37-9-2 overall MMA record, noted for aggressive grappling.
- UFC – Promotion organizing the event, streaming the card exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States.
Data & Statistics
- Page’s UFC record: 4 wins, 1 loss; middle-weight UFC record: 2-0.
- Ruziboev’s UFC record: 5 wins, 1 loss; current UFC middle-weight streak: three consecutive victories.
- Both fighters are ranked outside the division’s top ten, with Ruziboev positioned at #15 in the middleweight rankings.
Why It Matters
The matchup pits Page’s precision striking against Ruziboev’s finishing ability, offering a clear test of Page’s ability to compete against a rising contender after criticism of his recent “lackluster” win. For Ruziboev, a victory would solidify his ascent and potentially move him into contention for higher-profile bouts.
Official Statements & Responses
The UFC announced the pairing, confirming the date, venue, and streaming platform. UFC France promoted the event with the tagline “Le reste de l’Europe sera là aussi !” (the rest of Europe will be there too). No headline fight has been disclosed, leaving the Page-Ruziboev clash as the card’s marquee attraction.
Criticism & Opposition
Page expressed frustration after his March win over Patterson, noting the promotion had not booked him against a “bigger name.” Observers have described his victory over Patterson as “uninspiring,” suggesting the fighter must prove his relevance against higher-caliber opposition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Page’s exact middle-weight record: one notes a 2-0 middle-weight run, while another cites a 4-1 overall UFC record without specifying weight-class breakdown. No official comment has clarified the discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “MVP” will face Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris. — UFC announcement
- “Le reste de l’Europe sera là aussi !” — UFC France announcement
- “Venom” represents a sizeable step up in competition for Ruziboev, who is also coming in on a three-fight win streak that most recently saw him submit Andrey Pulyaev in the opening round at UFC Baku. — UFC press release
- The event takes place Sept. 5 at Accor Arena, and streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. — UFC announcement
What’s Next
The UFC has not yet revealed the headline bout for the Paris card. Fans will learn the main event after the promotion finalizes the remaining matchups in the weeks leading up to Sept. 5.
