Sport First, Show Second”: Michael Page Sets The Record Straight On Bellator Fighters

In a stunning turn of events, Bellator welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page has officially signed with the UFC. A new era thus begins for this celebrated fighter. The announcement was made by none other than UFC President Dana White, who said that in Page’s first bout he would face No. Kevin Holland, who is 12th ranked at UFC this year.

The path that led Page to the UFC wasn’t without its share of speculation and obstacles. In July, Page became a free agent after an excellent nine-year run with Bellator. There were rumours that he would fight in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), particularly after his bout with Cedric Doumbe of the PFL at an event organised by this promotion—the European World Championships Final. But Dana White’s announcement shut down the guessing with an interesting match against Kevin Holland.

But the 36-year-old British fighter was one of Bellator’s most popular figures. In his eighteen bouts, he compiled a record of never being defeated in sixteen, with wins over such notable names as former champion Douglas Lima and Paul Daley. But although he was successful, Page never had a chance to fight for the undisputed title at 170 pounds in Bellator. His chance at a belt came in the form of an interim title fight with Logan Storley, which he lost.

Actually, Page’s decision to leave Bellator was because he had decided that the UFC would be his next step. In October, Dana White himself made public the fact of ongoing negotiations with “MVP,” and anyone could see that Page wasn’t going back to Bellator, now acquired by PFL. Page felt in his eyes that it would be a return to the past if he returned to Bellator and was eager for new challenges on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

Fans particularly love Page’s unorthodox style of striking. His knack of raking in wins with the effortlessness you see on a morning stroll has become common knowledge throughout MMA circles. There was a brief detour into bare-knuckle boxing. While his clash against former UFC welterweight Mike Perry at the BKFC got off to an electric start, Page’s aspirations were always rooted in an MMA landscape that pulsates with action of its own sorts or otherwise forms and shifts depending upon circumstances not seen on this earth before because it is

Before becoming a UFC fighter, Page’s most recent MMA bout was a 26-second TKO victory over Goiti Yamauchi in March. His first victory proved not only that he was a valuable addition to the UFC welterweight division, a striking one; it also showed that though he could make them back in his new home, nobody has come close.

Working his way into a stacked welterweight division, Page now must take on fighters like Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman, and Belal Muhammad. He’s got a special skill set, and he already has an impressive track record. But the competition is fierce, so it will be interesting to see how Page fits into this mix of gifted emerging players from across Asia.

His first opponent, Kevin Holland, is by no means a slouch either. Currently ranked No. A skilled, popular welterweight with a high ceiling whose 12th handle is Trailblazer. Holland has had two TKOs of Santiago Ponzinibbio and Michael Chiesa in his last three Octagon bouts, with the most recent one being a split-decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena.

But the main event of UFC 299 ups the ante even further, with Sean O’Malley defending his bantamweight crown against Marlon Vera. The Miami event will be a must-watch, and Page’s appearance brings even more excitement.

Since Page became a free agent, there has been plenty of speculation as to his next move. The notion of a PFL transfer added another level to the curiosity, but when Dana White made that surprise announcement at the UFC 299 press conference, it was like an early Christmas present for MMA fans.

Now Page’s assertion that being hit by doumbe would force him to open the door for future possibilities takes on a whole new light. UFC waters will soon be splashed by the fight against Kevin Holland, which is going to test Page. And fans can’t help but wonder how his unorthodox style will face off in competition with everyone else inside that octagon.

Ultimately, it seems Michael Page’s mantra is “Sport First, Show Second” as he moves on to the UFC. Of course, the flashy performances and lighthearted style are indicative of his appeal, but when Page says that competition is everything, there’s no doubt where he stands. Now stepping into the UFC’s spotlight, fans will see more explosive moments and the resumption of a quest for titles in another beginning to his career.