Dana White and Francis Ngannou Lost Out to Michael ‘Venom’ Page in 2018; Joe Rogan Confesses Why

The UFC and Dana White are known for their matchmaking skills, but they aren’t always perfect as revealed by Joe Rogan! In a past episode of his Fight Companion series on the JRE (Joe Rogan Experience), with Brendan Schaub and Eddie Bravo, Joe Rogan had brought to light a situation where Bellator seemingly outdid the UFC.

The conversation revolved around two particular bouts: the UFC 226 clash between Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis in 2018, and the Bellator 216 fight between Paul Daley and Michael Page in 2019. And Rogan, in his trademarked, unfiltered manner, highlighted how the UFC’s highly promoted matchup failed to capture the audience.

Joe Rogan highlights how Bellator trumped the UFC with their matchmaking 

In the clip from the JRE show, Brendan Schaub, former UFC fighter, stated, “Derrick Lewis – Francis, which we thought was gonna be fireworks or Paul Daley –  MVP last night, f**k you man, f**k you bro, Paul Daley went, you know what, I’m a wrestler now.”

This prompted Rogan to exclaim, “It was crazy, it was ridiculous…” referencing the Bellator event. Eddie Bravo, renowned BJJ expert, and Rogan’s long-time friend, chimed in by asking, “It was horrible?”

And Rogan then dropped the bombshell by claiming, “It wasn’t good but it was better than Francis vs Derrick”, highlighting the fact that the Dana White-promoted matchup failed to live up to the hype.

His comments align with the fact that the fight between the two heavyweights was a lackluster affair for the two men, who are usually known for their explosive fight-ending ability. But Schaub then interjected by stating, “I don’t know”, indicating that he may not agree with Rogan’s assessment of the bout. But the podcast host reiterated by stating, “It was, there was moments of action.”

As such, Rogan’s remarks serve as a reminder that even the UFC and Dana White, renowned for their matchmaking prowess, occasionally miss the mark, leading to more eyes on fights from Bellator instead!

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And this isn’t the first time Rogan was left awestruck by Michael Page’s performance in Bellator as he has previously given a shout-out to his incredible knockout of ‘Cyborg’!

Rogan gives a shout-out to “dangerous” Michael Page 

During Mike Perry’s appearance on the JRE MMA Show no. 141, the conversation between the former UFC fighter and Joe Rogan touched upon the incredible striking acumen and talent of Michael ‘Venom’ Page.

Rogan, with his vast knowledge of combat sports, brought up the fight between Page and Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos, that took place at Bellator 158. ‘Venom’ landed a brutal flying knee and ended the fight in the second round. The podcast host referenced the same incident as he stated, “He is very dangerous. The knockout of Cyborg was f*cking crazy. That was crazy. I mean, he caved his forehead in.”

His remarks underscore the dangers Page brings into the cage for his opponents. And with his upcoming fight at UFC 299 against Kevin Holland, fight fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if ‘Venom’ can deliver another highlight reel moment in his UFC debut!

What do you think about Joe Rogan’s claims that Bellator outdid the UFC with the Page vs Daley fight? And do you think Michael Page will be able to secure a win against Kevin Holland? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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