
via Imago
via IMAGO

via Imago
via IMAGO
Dana White has always championed the idea of allowing fighters to express themselves freely, for better or for worse, without interference or consequences from the promotion. However, Bryce Mitchell’s recent comments expressing support for Adolf Hitler and engaging in anti-Semitic rhetoric went too far for even the UFC head honcho. White publicly condemned Mitchell’s remarks, calling them “disgusting” and labeling them the “dumbest” and “most ignorant” things he had ever heard.
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor recently made headlines for a volatile outburst, launching a racist tirade against Khabib Nurmagomedov and insulting his family. In stark contrast, Michael “Venom” Page brought a message of love and unity into his fight against Shara Magomedov in Saudi Arabia. Despite being English, Page chose not to carry a flag into the arena. When asked about his decision by a reporter after the fight, Page shared a poignant and compassionate response, emphasizing a message of peace and goodwill.
MVP on not having a flag attached to his name graphic during his UFC walkout
“I feel like everyone is trying to find their group and all it does for me is build separation. We are one race, the human race and I live by that”#UFCSaudiArabia #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/dZlDJnOMf8
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) February 1, 2025
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This is a remarkable gesture from the Englishman. After all, most fighters take a lot of pride in representing their country, which also helps them shore up support from their domestic audience. But it seems that Page is a much more universalist, the-world-is-my-oyster type of guy. All we can say is- in a world of Conor McGregor and Bryce Mitchell, be a Michael ‘Venom’ Page. But after his victory, there is one question on most people’s minds.
What is next for Michael ‘Venom’ Page?
Michael ‘Venom’ Page took Sharaputdin Magomedov’s ‘O’, handing the one-eyed Dagestani a unanimous decision loss in their UFC Saudi middleweight clash. Page was at his sniping, untouchable best. He used his unique, snake-charming style to befuddle Magomedov, never letting the Dagestan-born fighter find his range, and dominated most of the fight.
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And now, the question many are asking is- what next for ‘MVP’? Well, the Englishman indicated in the post-fight Octagon interview that he is looking to move back down to welterweight. At the post-fight presser, Page said that he wanted to fight former welterweight champ and fellow Englishman, Leon Edwards, in their native England.
On the other hand, Page also had another, much more surprising name in mind- light heavyweight star Jiri Prochazka. Why? Well, because ‘MVP’ is “the kind of person that would move up another division and fight someone like Jiri [Prochazka] because it’s an exciting fight.” What do you think about Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s heart-warming message after beating Shara Magomedov?
What’s your perspective on:
In a world of McGregors and Mitchells, is Michael 'Venom' Page the hero UFC needs?
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In a world of McGregors and Mitchells, is Michael 'Venom' Page the hero UFC needs?