Michael "Venom" Page picked up the second win of his UFC career this past weekend as he edged out Shara "Bullet" Magomedov on the judge's scorecards (30-27, 29-28, 30-27).
The former Bellator star (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) bounced back from his loss against Ian Machado Garry last July to become the first man to defeat Magomedov in Saturday's co-main event.
After the fight, "MVP", who was competing up a weight class at 185 lbs, hinted that he could even be convinced to test the waters at light heavyweight, should the opportunity to face former champion Jiri Prochazka be on the table.
"I'm the kind of person that would move up another weight division and fight someone like Jiri" said the 37-year-old British welterweight, "because it's an exciting fight. The most spins ever. The most, maybe two tornadoes like clashing.
"So, yeah, like I said, I said it from the beginning, actually, I want to make a lot of noise (in the UFC). So I haven't got the highlight (finish) I wanted just yet. But if you can keep getting some exciting matchups, then why not?"
Page fought under the Bellator banner for ten years before signing with the UFC early in 2024. During that time he racked up a series of sepctacular finishes but is still searching for that elusive first knockout win inside the Octagon.
"There is an effect of being in the UFC" theorized Page while speaking during Saturday's post-fight press conference, "the magnitude of UFC brand, the event. I think that's what's kind of still weighing on me a little bit. And it's making me a little bit more hesitant.
"Whereas, you know, before when I was at Bellator, there was no hesitation. I was in there, I was very sure of myself. But I don't know if I'm wanting it too much, I'm second-guessing myself. I don't know what it is. But there is definitely a UFC effect. But the more comfortable I get, the more you're going to see the old MVP".
