Issue 195
May 2022
Michael “Venom” Page has been one of the most spectacular strikers in MMA for more than a decade, and the London Shootfighters ace is showing no signs of stopping. Simon Head takes a look at five fights that have defined the career of the one and only "MVP."
Ben Dishman, UCMMA 26: The Real Deal, London, February 4, 2012
MVP's professional debut remains one of the most spectacular viral knockouts in MMA history as he exploded onto the scene with a stunning finish of a hopelessly outmatched Ben Dishman.
Dishman had some experience as a white-collar boxer, but Page's experience as a world champion in semi-contact kickboxing meant he entered the cage with a humungous skill advantage over his opponent, and it took mere seconds for that discrepancy to show.
Page danced, shimmied and shuffled, then let fly with a eye-popping tornado kick that finished Dishman after just 65 seconds. A viral internet moment was created, and a star was born.
Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos, Bellator 158, July 16, 2016
By the time Page faced "Cyborg," he had established himself as a flashy, spectacular attraction in Bellator. But while he was gaining fans for his spectacular fighting style, he also picked up his fair share of haters, who were waiting to see the super-confident Brit get his comeuppance against a seasoned veteran.
Many believed that man would be Santos, a seasoned knockout artist who had built a well-earned reputation as an MMA warrior during his time in Cage Rage, Pride FC and Strikeforce. But Page had other ideas and, after picking apart the Brazilian from the outside, unleashed one of the most devastating flying knees we've seen on the world stage as he finished "Cyborg" in spectacular fashion in London.
The knockout, and his Pokemon GO! celebration, went viral, but while the video-game-esque skills may have made for fun viewing, the x-rays of "Cyborg's" skull after the fight showed that MVP's skills were very, very serious.
Santos was left with a fractured skull and subsequently retired from the sport, while Page marched on.
David Rickels, Bellator 200, May 25, 2018
Another fighter expected to bring the fight to Page and push him out of his comfort zone was Bellator veteran David Rickels. Rickels had previously won the lightweight tournament in Season Eight, and challenged then-lightweight champion Michael Chandler for the 155-pound title. But when he faced "MVP" he simply had no answer.
Page led Rickels a merry dance around the Bellator cage as the Englishman stuck and moved with nonchalant ease, scoring with strikes and sliding out of the way as Rickels tried in vain to counter. Put simply, Page was toying with him.
Eventually, it all got too much for Rickels, who eventually waved off the fight in sheer frustration in Round 2. He later admitted he "got broke" by Page during the bout.
It might not have added a highlight-reel finish to Page's record, but it showed how his unique skillset can totally shut down a tough, respected, tenured veteran like Rickels. It also showed that Page was ready for bigger things.
Richard Kiely, Bellator Europe 4, September 27, 2019
With Page facing off against Ireland’s Richard Kiely in Dublin, you could be forgiven for thinking the Brit would be the recipient of a torrent of boos from the Irish fans. But, in true “MVP” style, he produced another highlight-reel finish to have the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.
Page was deducted a point by referee Dan Miragliotta for “taking a selfie” mid-fight, but that didn’t stop him from unleashing a stunning flying knee to deliver another memorable moment for the Bellator fans on his side of the pond.
Douglas Lima, Bellator 267, London, October 1, 2021
Page's first meeting with Douglas Lima ended with a knockout, but it was the Brit who was on the receiving end as Lima connected with a huge uppercut to starch "MVP" as he left his chin out while getting back to his feet. It was a mistake Page was keen to avoid, and a defeat he was even more keen to avenge, and the pair faced off again at Bellator 267.
This time Page was more compact, more controlled, and much more aware of the dangers Lima presented as he adopted a more conservative approach to claim the victory via split decision.
It might not be the most spectacular win of "MVP's" career, but it showed that the Londoner had the fight IQ to go with the high-flying techniques, and that only makes him even more dangerous.
Page went on to fight for the interim welterweight title, but lost out via controversial split decision in a Page avenged his lone career defeat after a tight, tense encounter with Douglas Lima at Wembley Arena.
The event was the first big UK MMA show after the COVID lockdown, and the atmosphere for Page’s walkout was simply electric.
Page’s in-cage smarts and a slightly more conservative approach ensured he stayed out of danger enough to earn a split decision to put himself at the front of the queue for the Bellator welterweight title.
