Michael “Venom” Page is feeling re-energized as he prepares for a return to welterweight against fellow Londoner Sam Patterson at UFC London this Saturday at The O2.
After back-to-back outings at middleweight, Page (24-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is shifting back to his natural division, a move he says was always part of the plan, even as he found success competing 15 pounds heavier.
“I’ve never changed my mind about it,” Page said in an interview with Fighters Only’s Giancarlo Aulino. “The first middleweight fight was very opportunistic. I thought I could match up well stylistically. But the goal was always to go back down to welterweight.”
While his body had adjusted to the added weight, the transition back to 170 pounds required recalibration.
“My body definitely got used to being heavier, so it took a little bit of time to come back down,” Page explained. “It’s like your body has a mind of its own. Every camp is different…you can do the same things, but sometimes you have to switch it up, trick your body a bit. Now I’m moving in the right direction and I feel good.”
That adjustment may already be paying dividends. Page believes the return to welterweight has sharpened one of his biggest weapons: his speed.
“I actually feel faster,” he said. “It’s like I was carrying extra weight before, like wearing a weighted vest. Now I’m lighter, I feel explosive. I still feel strong, but that speed is the main difference, and that’s something I’m excited for people to see.”
Saturday’s bout also marks a homecoming for Page, who has long been one of the UK’s most recognizable MMA figures. Competing in London brings undeniable advantages, but also unique challenges.
“The pros are the energy from the home crowd,” Page said. “Just hearing your name, having that support…it gives you a boost. But the cons are everything outside the fight.”
“You’re more accessible. Everyone’s asking questions, trying to get tickets, leaving things last minute. It creates a different kind of stress,” he added. “When people travel to see you fight, they’re organized. But when it’s at home, everyone feels comfortable and leaves things late.”
Page even recalled instances of friends missing his fights entirely due to poor planning.
“I’ve had friends show up after I’ve already fought,” he said. “That’s just how it is when it’s local…people think they’ve got time.”
Despite those distractions, Page expects the London crowd to bring an elevated level of energy. especially given his growing momentum since joining the UFC.
