Michael "Venom" Page: UFC Matchmaking Feels Like "Working Blind"

Michael "Venom" Page has likened navigating the UFC's matchmaking system to "working blind," stating that the lack of clear communication and constantly shifting priorities prevent him from understanding how to advance towards a title shot ahead of UFC London.

Michael "Venom" Page's Frustration with UFC Matchmaking

Page joined the UFC in 2024 after a long career in Bellator, and since then has amassed a 3-1 record across welterweight and middleweight, including a victory over former title challenger Jared Cannonier in August 2025. Despite this successful run and his popularity in the UK market, he has faced difficulties securing fights against ranked opponents, which he had expected upon signing his contract. He describes this as the most frustrating aspect of his transition.

Ahead of his return at UFC London, Page noted that the main issue is his inability to understand what the promotion wants from him or other contenders. He contrasted the current situation with earlier UFC eras, when climbing the rankings offered a clearer path to major fights and title bouts.

He stated: "It's very difficult to say. I just don't know how they're making their decisions. It feels like there's no clear communication that 'this is what we're looking for.' Even rankings don't really mean anything. Before, at least you had an idea: if you get to that ranking, something might happen. Now it seems sporadic. Without clear direction from the UFC, it's hard for anyone to speculate until there's a clear 'these are the things that will push you forward.'"

Comparing UFC to Bellator

Page has repeatedly pointed to matchmaking as the primary difference between his former organization and the UFC. In Bellator, he said, he could expect more consistent timelines, with clearer indications of when he would fight next and how a specific bout fit into his divisional path.

Since joining the UFC roster, he has encountered long waiting periods between fights and uncertainty regarding both opponents and weight classes, having options at welterweight (where he holds a 1-1 record in the promotion) and middleweight (where he secured two victories in 2025). He emphasized that his criticism is focused on the fight booking process, rather than the organization's platform or how he is treated outside of matchmaking.

UFC London: Opponent and Card Context

Page is now channeling this frustration into motivation for UFC London, where he is scheduled to face fellow Brit Sam Patterson in a welterweight bout at the O2 Arena on March 21, 2026. The event is headlined by undefeated featherweights Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, with the Page-Patterson fight positioned on a main card rich with British talent, including Luke Riley vs Michael Aswell and Roman Dolidze vs Christian Leroy Duncan.

Even with a prominent spot at his home event, Page questions whether the matchmaking reflects his standing in the division, hinting that his style and previous comments might have complicated his relationship with UFC matchmakers. For now, he says he will continue to win and speak out, hoping the promotion will eventually offer the direction he believes is missing from a system he currently likens to fighting for opportunities in the dark.