Michael ‘Venom’ Page endured 48 sleepless hours during the negotiation and signing of his UFC contract, navigating the eight-hour time difference between Las Vegas and London. A dedicated MMA enthusiast, Page, now a free agent after a decade with Bellator MMA, found himself amidst late-night negotiations and numerous options.
While Page favored the UFC as his top choice, he appreciated feeling wanted by various organizations. His charisma and explosive fighting style, showcased in a decade-long highlight reel, attracted attention. Page, inspired by Michael Chandler’s successful transition to the UFC, sought not just a desire for a contract but a meticulous evaluation.
Despite his media recognition and widespread appeal, Page wasn’t willing to accept any offer blindly. Meeting UFC CEO Dana White, Page discovered a different side to the usually bombastic personality, prompting the need for a swift and agreeable resolution.
The negotiation process unfolded during odd hours due to the time difference, with manager Audie Attar conveying messages back and forth. The confirmation of his UFC signing came after a day of family announcements and anticipation. Page stayed up late to witness the announcement during the UFC 296 post-fight press conference, where White casually revealed Page’s upcoming fight with Kevin Holland at UFC 299.
Although the announcement was made nonchalantly, Page and his team swiftly capitalized on it, using social media to promote the news with teaser videos and graphics. Despite the muted rollout, Page assures that his real impact will be felt inside the cage, emphasizing that the storm surrounding his name is yet to come.
In his words, “The storm is not now. It feels like there’s a big storm around my name. But the storm is when I get in the cage, trust me.”