TLDR
- Michael Page was removed from UFC rankings days after winning at UFC Paris on September 5, 2026
- Page won by unanimous decision against Nursulton Ruziboev but was denied a post-fight interview
- All five of Page’s UFC wins have come by decision, with his only loss to Ian Machado Garry
- Page said he needs to change his fighting style and increase his output to finish fights
- He plans to have an honest conversation with UFC officials about his future with the promotion
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | si.com
Michael “Venom” Page was removed from the UFC rankings on September 7, 2026, just two days after winning his fight at UFC Paris. The removal came despite Page improving his UFC record to 5-1 with a unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev.
Page was not given a post-fight interview at the Accor Arena following his win. This unusual treatment raised questions about his standing with the promotion.
The former Bellator fighter has now won all five of his UFC victories by decision. His only loss in the organization came against Ian Machado Garry.
Page Admits Changes Needed
Speaking to UFC News after the fight, Page said he needs to make major adjustments to his approach. “The results show that I haven’t done enough,” Page said.
Page acknowledged his fighting style may be preventing him from finishing opponents. “There’s not one person in the world that can stand with me,” he said. “But there’s too many people that can survive with me.”
Michael “Venom” Page was initially available to be ranked following his #UFCParís victory, but voters were notified this morning that is no longer the case. pic.twitter.com/2pPf7VILXx
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) September 7, 2026
The middleweight fighter said his high-range, unorthodox style requires changes. “My output needs to change,” Page explained. “I might have to doctor my style a little bit, maybe adapt it so people feel more comfortable coming forward.”
Page’s fight at UFC Paris was one of only six bouts on the card that didn’t end in a finish. The other eight fights all ended with stoppages.
Fans at the Accor Arena booed during Page’s fight before the judges announced their decision. The crowd’s frustration appeared to reflect dissatisfaction with the lack of action.
Future With UFC Uncertain
Page said he plans to meet with UFC officials about his future. “I gotta sit down with the UFC and have an honest conversation,” he said. “I know I can do better; I’m aspiring to do better.”
The fighter expressed confusion about being denied the post-fight interview. “Hopefully, they can see something special in me,” Page said of the UFC.
Page highlighted his ability to engage with crowds as one of his strengths. “Even with the way that I can engage with the crowd and how I can lift the crowd,” he said. “It’s just that last bit, which I know I have in me.”
The 39-year-old fighter has an overall MMA record of 26-3. He spent most of his career with Bellator before signing with the UFC.
Page said he understands why the UFC has not committed to his future. “I need to push myself a little more, take a few more risks,” he said. “I know there’s more.”
The fighter acknowledged he must return to training and reassess his entire approach. “I gotta go back to the drawing board,” Page said.
Page said the UFC has not addressed his future with the promotion since his latest victory. He stated he owes the organization an update on his plans moving forward.
