Michael 'Venom' Page recently signed a contract with UFC as a free agent after the expiry of his deal with Bellator; he will make his first appearance against Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in Miami on March 9
Thursday 18 January 2024 16:25, UK
Michael 'Venom' Page is targeting a UFC title fight against Leon Edwards and believes their battle of Britain would create a "big noise" with MMA fans.
Page, who has an impressive 21-2 MMA record, recently signed with the UFC after his contract expired at Bellator and has set his sights on a big showdown with UFC welterweight king Edwards.
A number of MMA organisation were chasing the 36-year-old's signature, but Page believes the UFC will offer him the chance to secure career-defining fights.
"Having just general chit-chat is very different to having an actual serious conversation about crossing over," said Page.
"Obviously speaking to UFC, getting their feedback you know, spoke to PFL (Professional Fighters League) as well, getting their feedback and just kind of seeing where best to land, and it was the UFC.
"I feel like I'm a veteran in the game. I've been in the game long enough to know where I stand and it's about going straight to the top."
Page is eyeing a potential clash with Edwards, who retained his UFC title with a unanimous decision win over Colby Covington in December, but insisted there was no negative tension towards his fellow Brit.
"It's not really about him (Leon Edwards) as a person. Like, I have no issues with him in any way," said Page.
"Again a fan of his uprising and what he's done, I think it's more I can envision the magnitude of the fight with regards to it being two UK fighters, fighting for a UFC welterweight championship.
"I can see myself and or see us, you know, trying to fill out a stadium and really make some big noise with that fight. So I think it's more the package that I'm drawn to. That's the goal.
"We've been out together a couple of times and like again, we're cool. It's not the kind of fight that is gonna be based on a negativity and having a crazy build up to in order to sell it, Page added.
"I think it's two great athletes that after I make my statements in the UFC, it's two great athletes coming together and it's who's the best in the UK."
After the UFC announced his signature, Page's first opponent was revealed to be Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in Miami on March 9.
"This is my point about joining the UFC at a high level," said Page.
"I think it's just a statement. I'm going against somebody who is dangerous in various areas, but I back myself every single time I step in the cage, but yeah I'm a fan of him. I'm a fan of a lot of people in the UFC. I'm a fan of him, but I was raised fighting my siblings, so I definitely haven't a problem fighting somebody that I appreciate.
"I also take it as a compliment that they (the UFC) rate me. Not only that they wanted to sign me, but they're signing me and then matching me up with the top, because again I think it's them also saying that yeah, we agree, this is the level that you're at, so I take it more as a compliment."
