UFC 299: MVP Talks Free Agency, UFC Debut & Title Fight Ambitions

MVP believes he is already among the best in the world ahead of UFC entry.

Michael 'Venom' Page is out to prove he's not a B-league fighter.

After fighting under the Bellator banner for the last decade, the welterweight fighter decided to go elsewhere with his career. Beginning the free agency process in July 2023, Page was finally picked up by the UFC in December.

UFC 299: Michael Page Details First Meeting With Dana White

"It was always the most appealing for me to make a decision to go to the UFC," Page revealed to Morning Kombat on February 28. "But I genuinely wanted to class myself or just see what free agency brought to me and offered me."

Having organizations like the PFL approaching with offers was "a nice feeling" for Page, but "The shiniest jewel on the table was always the UFC."

Michael Page went 17-2-0 in Bellator / Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

In his promotional debut at UFC 299, Page is getting a big name right off the bat. He'll have the chance to crack the welterweight rankings against #13 Kevin Holland.

"Trailblazer" is no slouch, with 12 career victories inside the octagon. However, 'MVP' is keen to make it known that he welcomes the challenge:

"There was a few names, but they were all the same difficulty should I say," Page said of getting an opponent for his debut. "It's all like the top of the mountain of fighters in that division. .... I'm not in it to try and build myself up."

As for his aspirations in the UFC, Page dreams of a title bout with Leon Edwards in the UK - specifically at the Manchester Old Trafford Stadium.

"Oh yeah, it has to be [in the UK against Edwards]," Page told SportBible. "A stadium... Old Trafford. .... I'm a [Manchester] United supporter, so it'll be great for multiple reasons."

At 36 years of age, Page has a short amount of time to make his dream come true.

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.