It took a little time, but it seems as though Michael "Venom" Page (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has proven himself to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC. "MVP" crossed over from Bellator to the world leader early last year, having spent a decade compiling a mesmering list of highlight-reel knockouts.
The 37-year-old Brit looked impressive during his Octagon debut against Kevin Holland at UFC 299 last March but then came out the wrong end of a three-round decision against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303 during International Fight Week in June.
Many fans expected Page to struggle against the previously-unbeaten Shara Magomedov in last Saturday's co-main event at UFC Saudi Arabia, but instead he outclassed "Bullet" on the feet to prove he belongs in the top tier.
That fight took place up a weight class from his usual 170 lb home, and Page has spent the past few days dropping hints that he may even move up to 205 lbs should the right opportunity present itself.
"Yeah I can definitely see myself doing a fight up (a weight class) again" Page said enthusiastically while being interviewed by Ariel Helwani this week. "When I'm fighting guys that like to strike, I would fight up to heavyweight, it doesn't faze me because it's striking and as much as these guys have got power, they have to land something for it to be effective, and you see how much I frustrate people, you see how many talented strikers come up clueless (against me), come up with no answers when it comes to their favorite space when I'm standing in front of them. So I can do that at any weight, you know what I mean? So 100%, if the fight is exciting enough and it matches well then 100% I can go up".
Page had teased a potential fight against former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka earlier in the week, and he revealed to Helwani that the idea came from his experience training with the Czech star.
"That was more of an example of what a fun fight would look like, do you know what I mean" he explained. "I've actually trained with (Jiri) before. He was down at our gym (London Shootfighters) a lot helping (former Oktagon champion) Karlos Vemola at the time and we got to spar quite regularly aswell. I can understand his style, he understands my style, we had some great spars so that would be an exciting fight. Anybody else with that kind of crazy style, that wants to stand there and strike? Then yeah, 100% I'm ready".
Although Page seems confident in his ability to stand and bang with most fighters, there is one decorated striker in the UFC he will draw the line at. "That guy is dangerous man", he joked when Helwani mentioned current 205 lb champion Alex Pereira, "I'm staying away from him!"