Michael ‘Venom’ Page has broken his silence for the first time since losing via unanimous decision to his rival, Ian Machado Garry, at UFC 303.
The former kickboxing world champion produced a valiant effort at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA, last Saturday, but ultimately, his opponent did just enough to claim the victory.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page opens up after loss against Ian Machado Garry
Blessed with remarkable striking skills, Michael ‘Venom’ Page made an instant splash in the UFC, producing a mesmeric showing to earn a comprehensive win over Kevin Holland.
For years, MMA enthusiasts had watched the Brit dazzle in Bellator with his explosive array of strikes and theatrical celebrations, leaving them desperate to see him perform on the grandest stage of them all.
Thus, after his first victory in the organization, the appetite to see ‘MVP’ go all the way was rife, with many fans calling for a match-up with welterweight champion — Leon Edwards.
However, his title aspirations have undeniably hit a bump in the road, with the Londoner losing to Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry.
WOW: Jake Paul’s manager says ‘The Problem Child’ will rematch Mike Perry in MMA on one condition
While Page exhibited his tremendous strikes in the second round, in the first and third, the Dubliner utilized his superior all-round game, dragging his adversary to the ground to claim the biggest scalp of his career.
At the age of 37, MVP could let the devastation of his first promotional loss overwhelm him, with the thought of potentially never reaching the peak of the mountain entering his head.
However, rather than letting the negativity get him down, he’s remained in high spirits, recently taking to Instagram to ensure his fans that he’s excited for the next chapter.
He posted: “When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal.”
Ultimately, Page has never let a bad result deter him from chasing his dreams, and it’s not about to stop him now. However, he’ll have to work very hard to claw his way back towards the title conversation.
What does the future hold for Michael ‘Venom’ Page?
Luckily, despite sustaining the third official loss of his career, the result hasn’t had a particularly negative impact on Page’s place in the rankings. In actual fact, he’s moved up a spot to number 13.
However, in all likelihood, the loss will prevent him from jumping in the cage with Edwards, or any other competitor right at the top of the welterweight scene.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the athlete, with plenty of interesting match-ups still out there for him.
A fight that fans have long been asking for, is a collision between Page and Stephen Thompson, with the potential bout sending shivers down the spines of kickboxing enthusiasts.
A clash between the pair would pit together two of the greatest strikers to ever grace the cage, in a battle that would both intrigue and excite in equal measure.
Thus, with the pair of sporting titans each coming off losses, it could be the perfect time for the UFC to pull the trigger.
Sheesh: ‘This is the ultimate sport’… Israel Adesanya reveals what it takes to become a UFC champion