“No Clear Communication” Michael Venom Page Explains Why UFC Matchmaking Feels Like “Working Blind”
Michael “Venom” Page has described trying to navigate UFC matchmaking as “working blind”, arguing that the lack of communication and shifting priorities have left him unsure how to move toward title contention ahead of UFC London.
Michaen Venom Page’s frustration with UFC matchmaking
Page joined the UFC in 2024 after a long run in Bellator, and has gone 3-1 across welterweight and middleweight since signing, including a win over former title challenger Jared Cannonier in August 2025. Despite that run and his profile in the UK market, he has struggled to secure the kind of ranked matchups he expected when he signed, which he now calls the most frustrating part of his transition.
Ahead of his return at UFC London, Page said the core issue is that he no longer understands what the promotion wants from him or other contenders. He contrasted the current situation with earlier UFC eras, when climbing the rankings offered a clearer route to big fights and title shots.
“It’s very difficult to say. I just don’t know how they’re making their decisions. It feels like there’s no clear communication that ‘this is what we’re looking for.’ Even rankings don’t really mean anything. Before, at least you had an idea: if you get to that ranking, something might happen. Now it seems sporadic. Without clear direction from the UFC, it’s hard for anyone to speculate until there’s a clear ‘these are the things that will push you forward.’”
Comparing UFC to Bellator
Page has repeatedly pointed to matchmaking as the main difference between his previous home and the UFC. In Bellator, he says he could expect more consistent timelines, with clearer indications of when he would fight next and how a particular matchup fit into his path in the division.
Since joining the UFC roster, he has faced long waits between bouts and uncertainty over both opponent and weight class, with options at welterweight, where he is 1-1 in the promotion, and at middleweight, where he went 2-0 in 2025. He has emphasized that his criticism is focused on the booking process rather than on the organization’s platform or how he is treated outside of matchmaking.
UFC London: opponent and card context
Page now turns that frustration into motivation for UFC London, where he is scheduled to face fellow Brit Sam Patterson in a welterweight bout at the O2 Arena on March 21, 2026. The event is headlined by undefeated featherweights Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, with Page–Patterson positioned on a main card stacked with UK talent, including Luke Riley vs Michael Aswell and Roman Dolidze vs Christian Leroy Duncan.
Even with a high-profile spot at home, Page has questioned whether the matchmaking reflects his standing in the division, hinting that his style and previous comments may have complicated his relationship with UFC matchmakers. For now, he says he will keep winning and speaking out, hoping the promotion eventually offers the direction he feels is missing from a system he currently likens to fighting for opportunities in the dark.
