Michael “Venom” Page is officially a free agent, and Jake Paul was quick to notice. Just hours after UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the organization decided not to renew Page’s contract, Paul made his move public. The YouTube star turned fight promoter reached out on social media with a short message: “Think it’s time to bring MVP to MVP.”
The news sent shockwaves through the fight community. Page had just secured a decision victory against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris. That victory marked his fourth win in his last five octagon appearances, giving him a impressive 4-1 record inside the UFC. Yet, despite his solid winning record, the UFC decided it was time to part ways with the 39-year-old British striker.
As reported by Boxing News, Paul’s offer could mark the beginning of a fresh chapter for the veteran fighter. With Most Valuable Promotions expanding its footprint in mixed martial arts, signing a high-profile athlete like Page could be a massive move for both sides.
Understanding the Split Between Michael Page and the UFC
To understand why this situation is creating so much buzz, it helps to look at how Page got here. Known globally for his flashy movement, hands-down karate style, and creative striking, Michael Page built his reputation during a long, highlight-filled tenure in Bellator. When he signed with the UFC in 2024, combat sports fans were eager to see if his unique style could succeed against top-tier middleweights and welterweights.
His UFC debut was an instant success. He defeated Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in a performance that showcased his timing and distance control. Although he suffered a close decision loss to Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303, Page bounced back with wins over Shara Magomedov, Sam Patterson, and Nursulton Ruziboev.
Build Funnels, Email Lists & Sell Online With One Free Tool
Create funnels, send emails, and sell online using Systeme.io without paying for multiple tools.
Create Free AccountFree forever • No credit card • Beginner-friendly
Despite winning four out of his five UFC fights, his recent performances drew criticism from fans and fight promoters. His tactical, low-volume point-fighting style led to multiple bouts going entirely to the judges’ scorecards. The recent UFC Paris fight saw limited offensive action, leading to boos from the crowd inside the arena.
According to analysis on Sports Illustrated MMA, Page had promised a dramatic finish before the Paris event. When the bout turned into a calculated, low-volume decision win, it ultimately influenced the promotion’s choice not to offer him a new contract once his deal expired.
Breaking Down Jake Paul’s Pitch: “Time to Bring MVP to MVP”
Jake Paul has never been shy about disrupting traditional fight promotion methods. Through Most Valuable Promotions, Paul has organized major professional boxing events, backed top female fighters like Amanda Serrano, and recently announced larger plans for MMA projects.
When news broke that Page was officially off the UFC roster, Paul wasted no time posting his invitation. By connecting Page’s famous nickname “MVP” with his promotional brand Most Valuable Promotions, Paul created an instant talking point across social media.
As highlighted by MMA Sucka, this public invitation represents more than just a friendly post. MVP is actively seeking established names to build out its fight roster, and Page remains one of the most recognizable strikers in combat sports today.
For Page, joining Paul’s fight promotion could offer several attractive benefits:
- Strong Financial Packages: Most Valuable Promotions has built a reputation for offering competitive guaranteed pay and solid fight purses compared to standard contract structures.
- Main Event Spotlight: Page would immediately become a featured headliner for the brand, rather than competing for main card slots in a crowded UFC division.
- Creative Freedom: Paul’s organization often grants fighters greater flexibility with personal sponsorships, media appearances, and outside business deals.
Michael Page Reacts to Online Criticism and UFC Exit
If fight fans expected Michael Page to be upset about his departure, his public response showed otherwise. The London-born striker took to Instagram to share a picture of himself pushing a heavy rock uphill with a simple caption: “Me trying to handle the internet’s opinions.”
Page has always operated with a calm and confident mindset. Over a professional career spanning more than a decade, he has received high praise for his highlight reels and criticism for his patient fighting style. At 39 years old, he understands that his value in the combat sports market extends well beyond a single promotion.
According to reporting from Middle Easy, Page remains in a comfortable position as a high-profile free agent. Even if he does not sign with Jake Paul immediately, he has multiple attractive offers available across different fighting organizations.
What Are Michael Page’s Other Fighting Options?
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
One of the most exciting choices for Page is a return to bare-knuckle boxing. Page previously fought in BKFC in 2022, engaging in a thrilling six-round war against Mike Perry. Although Page lost a close majority decision, his sharp striking and toughness earned him respect from combat sports fans everywhere.
BKFC founder David Feldman has publicly stated that the organization would be thrilled to welcome Page back. With Mike Perry currently recovering from an injury, a potential rematch between Perry and Page could easily headline a major bare-knuckle pay-per-view event.
Professional Fighters League (PFL)
The PFL is another logical option. Because Jake Paul maintains a strategic partnership with the PFL through its Super Fight Division, a deal between Page and Most Valuable Promotions could easily involve fights inside the PFL cage. This arrangement would allow Page to compete against top MMA talent while benefiting from Jake Paul’s marketing machinery.
Cross-Sport and Exhibition Bouts
Page’s point-fighting kickboxing background makes him an ideal candidate for special crossover matches. Whether it involves bare-knuckle boxing, crossover boxing matches, or modified-rules kickboxing fights, Page’s brand recognition ensures he can command high fight purses for exhibition events.
The Paradox of Style: Entertainment vs. Winning in Modern MMA
Michael Page’s departure highlights an ongoing challenge in professional combat sports: balancing effective fighting strategy with crowd entertainment. Major fight promotions operate as entertainment businesses as much as athletic leagues.
Page is widely regarded as one of the best defensive strikers in mixed martial arts. His distance management and quick footwork make it very difficult for opponents to connect with clean strikes or complete takedowns. However, when two high-level athletes approach a fight with extreme caution, the result can sometimes be a technical bout with few risky exchanges.
In the UFC, where performance bonuses and long-term contract offers depend on exciting moments, a purely defensive approach can work against a fighter. While Page won four of his five UFC bouts, the lack of dramatic finishes made the organization hesitant to extend his contract.
How Digital Platforms and Business Strategy Shape Fighter Careers
The relationship between fighters, promoters, and sports fans has evolved significantly in recent years. In the past, an athlete’s visibility was controlled almost entirely by their fight promotion. Today, fighters build their own leverage through social media and digital content creation.
Athletes who build strong personal brands can maintain strong earning power regardless of which fight league holds their contract. Many fighters now host podcasts, create online video series, and use digital distribution platforms to build direct relationships with fans. If you want to see how creators manage online channels and grow video audiences efficiently, check out our helpful guide on YouTube automation tips.
At the same time, data analytics and modern software tools are changing how fight promoters organize events and market fighters. To discover more about how new technologies are transforming modern businesses, explore our insights on the latest technology and AI trends.
Connect With Our Community
We enjoy covering major sports news and giving you clear, honest breakdowns of the stories making headlines around the world. To learn more about our team and what drives our coverage, visit our about us page.
If you have questions, feedback, or story ideas you would like us to cover next, please visit our contact team page to send us a message.
You can also join the conversation across our social media platforms. Follow us to share your thoughts on Michael Page’s next move:
- Connect with our community on Instagram
- Join the discussion on Facebook
- Get live updates on Twitter / X
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the UFC release Michael Page despite his winning record?
The UFC chose not to renew Michael Page’s contract after his deal ended at UFC Paris. Even though Page won four of his five UFC fights, his tactical, defensive fighting style produced low-action decisions that drew crowd frustration and did not match what UFC management wanted for top division contenders.
What message did Jake Paul send to Michael ‘Venom’ Page?
Shortly after news broke that Page was a free agent, Jake Paul posted a message on social media stating, “Think it’s time to bring MVP to MVP.” This was a clever play on Page’s famous nickname “MVP” and Paul’s fight company, Most Valuable Promotions.
What is Most Valuable Promotions?
Most Valuable Promotions is a combat sports company founded by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian. The organization started by promoting major professional boxing matches and has since expanded into athlete management and mixed martial arts events.
Could Michael Page return to BKFC?
Yes, it is a strong possibility. Page previously fought in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022 against Mike Perry. BKFC management has publicly expressed interest in signing Page for future fight cards.
Is Michael Page planning to retire soon?
At 39 years old, Michael Page has shown no intention of retiring. He remains in great physical condition and has expressed complete confidence in continuing his combat sports career with a new promotion.
Build Funnels, Email Lists & Sell Online With One Free Tool
Create funnels, send emails, and sell online using Systeme.io without paying for multiple tools.
Create Free AccountFree forever • No credit card • Beginner-friendly
Michael “Venom” Page becoming a free agent creates a thrilling situation for fight fans. While his time in the UFC was shorter than many expected, his striking talents and name recognition make him one of the most valuable free agents in combat sports today. Whether he chooses to partner with Jake Paul at Most Valuable Promotions, return to bare-knuckle boxing, or sign with another global MMA organization, Page remains a huge draw. The choice he makes next will define the final, most lucrative chapter of his remarkable career.

