Michael Venom Page has found a new home in the UFC. Since becoming a free agent, Page drummed up a lot of interest in where his next destination would be. That said, he eventually joined the UFC and enjoyed a very successful first outing under the new promotion.
For those unaware, Michael Venom Page initially made a name for himself in Bellator, where he racked up some superb finishes and career highlights. Prior to his UFC debut, many doubted the fighter and felt as though he hadn’t been truly tested in his career. That said, the Englishman proved everyone wrong when took to the Octagon at UFC 299.
Solid performance in the debut 👏@MichaelPage247 leaves #UFC299 with the UD victory! pic.twitter.com/pout2uuJJQ
— UFC (@ufc) March 10, 2024
Taking on Kevin Holland, many felt that it would be a true test of the 37-year-old’s capabilities at the top level. On the night, Page pitched an absolute shutout to Holland, who looked a little lost in the fight. Although he did not manage to get the finish, Michael Venom Page had some great moments throughout the fight and even threw in a bit of his signature showmanship.
Michael Venom Page sounds off on Colby Covington and his ‘fake’ personality
All things considered, Michael Venom Page had a very impressive performance, which immediately had the fans talking about a matchup with other contenders. Naturally, many names were thrown about and with UFC 304 set to take place in Manchester, UK, Page is eager to make his appearance in front of the home crowd. Now part of a formidable platoon of English fighters, the former Bellator man is aching for a chance to fight on home soil.
For the most part, Michael is open to any fighter and welcomes a challenge. Seeing that he is not the type to speak ill about a fighter, he hasn’t publicly called out anyone yet. However, there is a fighter on the roster that he truly despises. Speaking on an episode of UFC Day Off, Michael Venom Page said:
“I hate this guy (Colby Covington), I’m gonna be happy to kick this guy in the face. I find him fake, doesn’t seem like a nice guy. All the stuff that came out about what fighters should and shouldn’t be allowed to talk about.”
“People are going deep now, they’re talking about each other’s wives and mums and dads. He was very much into it and I didn’t like that.”
“I come from a martial arts background so that’s not the way we do things. I think he’s trying too hard to stay relevant. As much as we’re (in) a tough sport, we wanna show that we are true sportsmen.”
Thus, it is clear that Michael Venom Page has no tolerance for Colby Covington’s trash-talking style. Considering himself to be a true martial artist, Page believes that fighters should carry themselves with grace and humility. As such, he hinted about being open to fighting Covington, if possible then at UFC 304 in Manchester.
Is Ian Garry vs Colby Covington happening at UFC 303?
Although Michael Venom Page would love to kick Colby Covington in the face, there is a big chance that he might have to wait his turn. After all, Covington is seemingly in talks to face Ian Garry at UFC 303, on International Fight Week. In recent weeks, the two have had a lot of back and forth on social media, with them agreeing to settle their differences inside the Octagon.
For the most part, Ian Garry has been very vocal about wanting to fight Covington. Owing to the abuse the former three-time title challenger heaped on him and his wife during the UFC 296 press conference, the Irishman wants the fight more than anyone. According to the 26-year-old, he has already signed on to fight Colby and is waiting on him, to sign on the dotted line.
Ian Garry continues to call out Colby Covington to accept a fight as the co-main for #UFC303
“He doesn’t want any of this smoke. His foot’s sore, did you know that? He broke his foot in December, it’s April. It’ll be 6 months by June, but no his foot’s sore.”
🎥 IG /… pic.twitter.com/XuMGbPSoUx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 29, 2024
In a recent video, ‘The Future’ expressed his discontent with Covington by saying: “He doesn’t want any of this smoke. His foot’s sore, did you know that? He broke his foot in December, it’s April. It’ll be 6 months by June, but no his foot’s sore.”
Colby Covington says that he will “fight this summer for sure”, and says they’re planning for him to fight at #UFC303 but are trying to figure out the opponent.
He also mentions that he’s got “unfinished business” with Leon Edwards, and says that Ian Garry has to “show me he’s… pic.twitter.com/HKxtSatmmk
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 28, 2024
On the other hand, Covington was recently declared on a podcast: “I’m gonna fight this summer for sure. I think what they’re planning for me is International Fight Week.” Further, he mentioned how Ian Garry needs to show him he’s serious about business in order to warrant a fight. That said, it is very likely that Covington will be forced to take the fight regardless.
As for Michael Venom Page, he will likely need to fight somebody closer to his ranking, should he fight in Manchester. With Stephen Thompson touted as an excellent stylistic matchup for him, it would be a no-brainer to have them fight. Thereafter, based on what transpires in the Ian-Colby fight, MVP can get the fight against Colby or Ian, both of whom he has in his sights.
