After an impressive debut at UFC 299, Michael ‘Venom’ Page says he ideally wants to return in July before making a quick turnaround for September.
One of the most highly anticipated promotional debuts in recent memory went off without a hitch last weekend, as Michael ‘Venom’ Page proved that he was indeed UFC caliber with a statement win over fellow fan-favorite Kevin Holland.
Now, MVP has declared to CBS Sports’ Shakiel Mahjouri that his ideal 2024 would include a return to the UK for the Manchester Fight Night event, followed by a quick turnaround again in September – and the showman is open to facing three major names next: Ian Machado Garry, Vicente Luque, or Jack Della Maddalena.
Michael Page on what 2024 could bring for the UFC’s latest MVP
From media day to his superb Undertaker walkout, to his unanimous decision victory last weekend in Miami, it was arguably the perfect week for UFC newcomer Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
In the aftermath of his striking showcase against Kevin Holland, MVP debuted in the UFC welterweight rankings in the #13 spot – yet the flashy Brit isn’t content with sitting on the peripherals of the division.
Speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri via the SHAK MMA YouTube channel, MVP revealed that he didn’t sustain any major injuries from the Holland fight and hopes to make his return in just a few months’ time:
“I’m completely fine, everyone always has a few knocks and bruises but nothing crazy at all. There’s talks of me coming back for the UK show in Manchester, that’s in July I believe, so that’s plenty of time for me to come back.
“If I can get on July, come out relatively unscathed again, jump in again in September – that would be a very happy year for me,” he added.
Page improved his professional record to 22-2 at UFC 299 but already at 36 years old, he’s aware that he might not have the time to slowly climb the rankings like many other newcomers, instead hoping that fan demand and entertainment can help drive him towards a title shot:
“Honestly, I’m not a person that pays attention to the rankings, the rankings don’t mean anything. If I make enough noise, then I can get a title fight… I just keep doing me, making it entertaining and people are going to want me, and push the organization to get me to those big fights.”
So, who would MVP like to face in his return fight, should an opponent line up for the Manchester card in July?
“Ian Garry would be a fun fight because stylistically, it’s going to be quite explosive on the feet…[Vicente] Luque is another good fight, he’s a very explosive guy, powerful on his feet as well.”
A third potential opponent could be Jack Della Maddalena, who earned an outstanding TKO victory just one fight before MVP made his viral walkout in Miami.
“[He] had a great win, I’ve seen him before, but I was very, very impressed with how he dealt with such an amazing fighter in Gilbert Burns…He seems to be a hard person to kill in all positions. A dangerous opponent but [that’s] another exciting fight.”