TLDR
- Michael Page says UFC matchmaking has been the most frustrating part of his transition from Bellator
- Page is scheduled to compete at UFC London in his return to the octagon
- The British fighter has experienced difficulties getting opponents and fights scheduled
- Former Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull has backed up Page’s matchmaking complaints
- Page contrasts his UFC experience with his time in Bellator’s matchmaking system
Sources: BJPenn.com | MMA Fighting | Bloody Elbow
Michael ‘Venom’ Page has opened up about his struggles since joining the UFC roster, calling matchmaking the most frustrating aspect of his transition from Bellator. The British welterweight made his comments ahead of his scheduled return at UFC London.
Page, who spent years as one of Bellator’s top stars, has found the UFC’s approach to scheduling fights very different from what he experienced in his previous organization. He expressed disappointment with how difficult it has been to secure opponents and get booked for fights.
Matchmaking Challenges Mount for UFC Newcomer
The flashy striker explained that the process of getting matched up with opponents in the UFC has been far more complicated than he anticipated. Page said the uncertainty around when and who he would fight has been a major source of stress.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page reveals ‘most frustrating’ problems he’s faced since joining UFC roster https://t.co/H4hvxAuzSf
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 16, 2026
In Bellator, Page had more clarity about his fight schedule and potential opponents. The 37-year-old fighter built a reputation as one of the promotion’s most exciting fighters with his unorthodox striking style.
Page made his UFC debut after signing with the organization in 2024. His transition to the world’s largest MMA promotion was highly anticipated by fans who wanted to see how his style would match up against UFC competition.
The London native is now preparing for his next appearance at UFC London, fighting in front of his home crowd. However, the road to getting this fight booked illustrated many of the problems he has been vocal about.
Pitbull Backs Up Page’s Concerns
Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, a former Bellator featherweight and lightweight champion, has joined Page in expressing frustration with UFC matchmaking. Pitbull made similar comparisons between the two organizations’ approaches to booking fighters.
The Brazilian fighter’s support lends credibility to Page’s claims about the differences between Bellator and UFC systems. Both fighters have extensive experience in Bellator before making the move to UFC.
Page’s complaints center on the lack of communication and long waits between fights. He has suggested that Bellator provided more consistent opportunities to compete and clearer timelines for when fights would happen.
The welterweight contender has been careful to focus his criticism on the matchmaking process rather than other aspects of the UFC. Page has not criticized the organization itself or his treatment outside of fight booking issues.
Page’s upcoming appearance at UFC London represents a chance to perform in front of British fans on a major card. The event will take place at a venue to be announced in London.
The fighter has maintained his commitment to succeeding in the UFC despite his frustrations with the matchmaking process. Page continues to train and prepare for his next fight while hoping for improvements in how quickly he can get booked for future contests.
