Published 36 days ago
At 39, Page marks a turning point at UFC Paris: 12 strikes in three rounds, a skeptical crowd, and criticism of his overly cautious style
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Michael "Venom" Page disappointed in his UFC Paris fight against Nursulton Ruziboev, landing only 12 significant strikes over three rounds and winning by decision without ever truly threatening. At 39, the Brit struggles to recapture his former level, criticized for an overly cautious style and the absence of KOs since 2021.
To remember:
- 12 significant strikes in three rounds: a minimalist tally for "Venom" Page at UFC Paris.
- Parisian crowd gives a frosty reception to a lackluster performance, far from expectations.
- At 39, Page struggles to recapture the brilliance of his early career, criticized for his overly cautious style.
On March 23, 2024, UFC Paris once again delivered a mixed spectacle with the fight between Michael "Venom" Page, 39, and Nursulton Ruziboev. Despite a decision win, the Brit only landed 12 significant strikes over three rounds, never threatening his opponent. A far cry from the explosive performances that built his reputation in the 2010s.
The Parisian crowd, accustomed to his early-career highlight-reel KOs, gave this minimalist performance a frosty reception. With an average of just 4 decisive strikes per round, Page confirmed doubts about his evolution. His UFC record (5-1) hides a less impressive truth: no KO wins since joining in 2021. Critics are piling on, pointing to a style that’s become too cautious, where precision takes precedence over boldness. A far cry from the original "Venom," once feared for his explosive combinations.
A style at odds with his legacy
In an era where fans demand entertainment, Page now embodies the antithesis of a marketable fighter. His defensive, effective but unexciting game keeps him undefeated since 2021, but at the cost of flair. Observers highlight a paradox: an athlete once celebrated for his aggression has transformed into a calculating strategist, far removed from the spectacular KOs that defined his career.
Can the UFC still count on him?
With only 5 wins in 6 fights in the UFC, none by KO in three years, the question arises: Is Page still an asset for the promotion? His experience and technique remain undeniable, but his inability to finish fights places him in a gray area. Fans hope for a return to form, while skeptics predict a lukewarm end to his career.
At 39, Michael "Venom" Page now embodies the dilemmas of a career in transition. Between legacy and reality, his fight at UFC Paris reminded everyone that the era of easy KOs is over. The question remains: Can the Brit rediscover the fire of his early days, or will his name become synonymous with a bygone era of MMA?