Michael Venom Page on Dana White’s UFC London Walkout: “I Wouldn’t Have Watched Me Either”
Michael “Venom” Page has played down any suggestion of bad blood with UFC CEO Dana White after reports that White left the O2 Arena during Page’s fight with Sam Patterson at UFC London. Page admitted he heard about the incident second‑hand, but said that even if White walked out because of his performance, he could “understand” the reaction.
UFC London context
Page returned to welterweight at UFC London on March 21, 2026, defeating England’s Sam Patterson by unanimous decision in a three‑round bout at the O2 Arena. The fight drew criticism from fans and media for its low output, with Page landing 33 of 61 strikes and Patterson connecting on 25 of 78, and the arena atmosphere described as “absolutely dead” despite a card loaded with UK talent.
The lukewarm reception was a stark contrast to Page’s reputation as one of MMA’s most entertaining strikers and came in his first UFC appearance on home soil in London. The backlash included calls on social media for the promotion to cut him, something Page later said added to his frustration with his own display.
Reports of Dana White’s walkout
In the days after the event, UK outlets and attendees claimed White left the arena before the co‑main and main events, shortly after Page’s win over Patterson. Further reporting noted that White appeared “bored” and that Page’s fight was singled out as one of the most heavily criticised on the card.
When Ariel Helwani raised those reports on The Ariel Helwani Show, he told Page there were “some reports that Dana left in the middle of your fight” and asked if Page knew whether it was tied to his performance. Helwani stressed he had not personally seen White leave and was relaying what had been said by others at the O2.
MVP’s reaction
Page said he was made aware of the claims only after the event and still cannot confirm whether White actually walked out during his bout.
“Yeah, somebody had mentioned it, but again, I couldn’t tell you if that’s true or not. Someone just mentioned it to me and even they didn’t seem sure… If it was due to my performance, then fair enough. I would have probably walked out of my performance. It was bad.
“I’m not going to be butt hurt by it… If I was like kicking him in the face, spin kicking him and slamming him and doing all this stuff and then he decided to walk out then we’d be like, ‘Oh, what’s going on there?’ ’Cause I’ll take that as personal. But like I said, I myself am disappointed in the result and the fight. So if he was like, ‘Yeah, I’m done with watching.’ Fair enough.”
Page repeatedly called the performance “not good enough” and said his own frustration with his output meant he could empathise if a promoter or fan chose to tune out. He added that he heard no direct negativity from UFC staff during fight week and did not see White in person in London, but felt generally supported by matchmaker Hunter Campbell and others.
The 25‑fight veteran said he wants a quick turnaround to “make as many people forget what just happened” and is already working on changes aimed at recapturing his finishing form after five straight decision wins. He also called on the UFC to give him a clear direction at either welterweight or middleweight and a willing dance partner so he can “showcase” the version of MVP he felt was missing at UFC London.
