Full Breakdown
UFC Confirms Michael “Venom” Page Will Not Be Re-Signed
9/9/2026, 11:08:42 AM
Core Event – Contract Expiration and Release
On September 5, 2026, Michael “Venom” Page fought Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris, winning a unanimous decision in what was the final bout of his six-fight UFC contract. Within days, the UFC removed Page from the middleweight rankings and, on the following Tuesday’s *Dana White’s Contender Series* press conference, UFC CEO Dana White stated that the promotion will not offer Page a new contract.
Background & Context
Page entered the UFC in 2024 after a successful Bellator run that included an interim-title challenge. In the UFC he compiled a 5-1 record, defeating Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov, Jared Cannonier, Sam Patterson and Ruziboev; his sole loss came by decision to Ian Machado Garry. Despite the winning record, every UFC appearance—including the September 5 bout—ended on the judges’ scorecards, a pattern that contrasted with his reputation for knockout finishes in Bellator.
Data & Statistics
- UFC record: 5-1 (all six fights went to decision).
- Total significant strikes landed in UFC: 173 across six bouts.
- Average significant strikes per fight: ? 29, far below the UFC’s recent high-output benchmarks (e.g., Max Holloway’s 445 in a single fight).
- Age at release: 39; professional record overall 26-3 with a four-fight winning streak entering free agency.
Official Statements & Responses
UFC officials confirmed the decision through multiple channels.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that Page’s contract ended after the September 5 fight and that the UFC will not re-sign him. No source provides a detailed rationale beyond “lack of finishes” and “insufficient excitement,” leaving the precise weighting of performance metrics versus business considerations undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That was his last fight on his contract. I don’t think we’re signing him, no. What’s the confusion? I think it’s been pretty clear that he wasn’t being re-signed, and he would be taken out of the rankings because he’s no longer on the roster,” — Dana White, UFC CEO
- “That was his last fight on his contract,” — Dana White, UFC CEO
- “That was the last fight on his contract,” — Dana White, UFC CEO
- “I don’t know if his contract is actually terminated,” — David Feldman, BKFC founder
What’s Next
With free-agency status, Page has several potential avenues:
- Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC): Founder David Feldman indicated interest, noting that BKFC’s format would force Page to adopt a more aggressive style.
- Professional Fighters League (PFL): The league’s partnership with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) could provide a platform aligned with Page’s brand.
- Scott Coker’s upcoming promotion: Early reports suggest Coker’s new league may target high-profile free agents like Page.
- Other emerging promotions (e.g., Strike MMA, GFL) have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Page’s next contract will likely hinge on whether he can translate his point-fighting expertise into the higher-tempo, finish-oriented expectations of his prospective organization.
