Don't underestimate the challenge of securing your next fight—especially when you're a rising star like Michael Page, known for his dynamic fighting style and remarkable career. Despite a standout 2025, one of the most frustrating aspects for Page isn’t his performance but rather the uncertainty surrounding his next opponent and even his weight class. And this is the part most people might overlook: in the world of professional MMA, even a fighter with an impressive record can face hurdles outside the cage, like finding suitable opponents.
As of March 2026, Michael Page (24-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) approaches his second anniversary in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His journey to the UFC began a year after he finished an impressive tenure at Bellator, where he compiled a 17-2 record over ten years. His UFC debut was a win against Kevin Holland, but since then, his path has been anything but straightforward. After losing to Ian Machado Garry, Page rebounded with victories over Shara Magomedov and former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier in 2025.
Post-win, Page made it clear he wanted to return to his original weight class at welterweight, the division where he previously fought Holland and Garry. However, he’s encountered unexpected difficulties in arranging fights at 170 pounds. The challenge isn't just about weight—it's the scarcity of available opponents, which is startling given the caliber of fighters often competing at that level.
Page shared his frustration during an interview on the Shxts 'n' Gigs podcast in the UK. He explained how he’s been told to take fights at middleweight, even though his preference has always been welterweight. For example, he recently accepted a spontaneous fight at middleweight with Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov, despite his clear desire for welterweight bouts. Despite multiple attempts to secure a fight at 170 pounds, he’s faced repeated dead ends.
He recounted, “I keep asking for welterweight fights, but it’s like nobody is available. They suggest middleweight opponents, even when I don’t want that. Recently, I saw a welterweight who just won an exciting fight, and I suggested the fight for London. Yet, the matchmakers said, ‘We have plans for him,’ even though he was just coming out of the cage — and I’ve been waiting for months without a plan for me.
