Published 34 days ago
Despite a win at UFC Paris, British fighter Michael "Venom" Page has been dropped from the official rankings, casting a shadow over his UFC journey.
Hidden h2 tag if not homepage
Michael "Venom" Page, the British Bellator star, has been removed from the UFC’s official rankings following his win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris on September 5, 2024. This surprising decision reflects the promotion’s lingering doubts about the consistency of his performances.
To remember:
- Unprecedented removal from UFC rankings for Michael "Venom" Page after his Paris win.
- A 5-1 record in 2024, but performances deemed inconsistent by management.
- His spectacular style no longer offsets his mixed results, particularly his loss to Ian Machry.
- His future in the promotion now appears uncertain after this controversial decision.
Incredible but true: Michael "Venom" Page, one of the most flamboyant stars in European MMA, now finds himself in a precarious position in the UFC. The 37-year-old Brit, known for his explosive style and spectacular knockouts, has just suffered an unexpected setback. Despite a decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris on September 5, 2024, he has been removed from the promotion’s official rankings. A first since his arrival earlier this year, when he boasted an impressive 5-1 record.
This removal, confirmed by an email sent to panel members, raises many questions. How can a fighter with such an impressive résumé find himself sidelined? The issue isn’t his wins, but rather the quality of his performances. Against Ruziboev, Venom Page did secure the judges’ verdict, but his fight was marked by dominant phases followed by alarming periods of inactivity. A lack of consistency that is starting to frustrate at the highest level.
A Troubling Past
His sole 2024 loss to Ian Machry remains a black mark on his record. That defeat, in a fight where he was the favorite, left a lasting impression on UFC decision-makers. Since then, every performance by Venom Page has been scrutinized. His style, once praised for its boldness, is now seen as inconsistent. The promotion, which prioritizes athletes capable of delivering regular performances, appears to have made its decision: Venom Page’s unfulfilled potential is no longer enough.
For a fighter accustomed to the spotlight, this removal marks a turning point. At 37, it’s time for concrete results, not promises. Has the UFC turned the page? The ball is now in Venom Page’s court, and he must prove in his next fight that he deserves a second chance.
Venom Page’s removal from the UFC rankings reveals a harsh truth: in the world of MMA, raw talent is no longer enough. Consistency and the ability to deliver solid performances have become non-negotiable criteria. For the Brit, the urgency is now to regain positive momentum, or risk seeing his American adventure end prematurely.