Michael 'Venom' Page Criticizes UFC Matchmaking: A 'Blind' Process Due to Lack of Communication

MMA fighter Michael "Venom" Page recently articulated his profound dissatisfaction with the UFC's matchmaking system, likening the experience to "working blind." He contends that a pronounced lack of communication and constantly shifting priorities have obscured his path to challenging for a title, particularly as he prepares for his upcoming bout at UFC London.

Michael 'Venom' Page's Discontent with UFC Matchmaking

Page made his transition to the UFC in 2024 following a distinguished career with Bellator. Since then, he has compiled a 3-1 record across the welterweight and middleweight divisions, notably securing a victory against former title challenger Jared Cannonier in August 2025. Despite this impressive performance and his significant popularity in the UK, Page has found it challenging to secure the high-profile, ranked opponents he anticipated upon joining the promotion. He now identifies this struggle as the most vexing aspect of his move to the UFC.

As he gears up for his upcoming fight in London, Page highlighted that his fundamental concern lies in the apparent ambiguity of the promotion's expectations for him and other aspiring contenders. He drew a sharp contrast between the current state of affairs and earlier periods in the UFC's history, when ascending the rankings typically provided a more defined pathway to significant bouts and title opportunities. Page elaborated, expressing his difficulty in discerning the UFC's decision-making process. He stated that there appears to be no explicit communication regarding the promotion's desires, rendering the ranking system largely meaningless. Previously, he noted, fighters had a clearer understanding that achieving a certain rank could lead to tangible progress. Now, however, the process feels inconsistent and unpredictable, making it challenging for fighters to advance without explicit guidance from the UFC on what actions will propel their careers forward.

UFC vs. Bellator: A Matchmaking Contrast

Page has frequently identified matchmaking as the most significant disparity between his prior organization, Bellator, and his current tenure with the UFC. He recounted that in Bellator, he benefited from more predictable schedules and clearer insight into his next fight and how each bout aligned with his overall trajectory within his division.

However, since joining the UFC, he has experienced extended periods of inactivity between fights, compounded by uncertainty regarding both his opponents and his fighting weight class. His UFC record stands at 1-1 in welterweight and a perfect 2-0 in middleweight in 2025, yet the lack of clarity persists. Page underscored that his critique specifically targets the bout-booking procedures, not the UFC's overall platform or his treatment outside of the matchmaking aspect.

UFC London: Upcoming Bout and Event Details

Page is channeling his frustration into heightened motivation for UFC London, where he is set to compete against fellow British fighter Sam Patterson in a welterweight contest at the O2 Arena on March 21, 2026. The event's main attraction features an undefeated featherweight clash between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. The Page-Patterson fight is prominently placed on a main card rich with UK talent, including matchups such as Luke Riley vs. Michael Aswell and Roman Dolidze vs. Christian Leroy Duncan.

Despite securing a significant slot on a home-turf event, Page has voiced doubts about whether his current matchmaking accurately reflects his position and stature within the division. He suggested that his distinctive fighting style and past public statements might have strained his rapport with UFC matchmakers. Nevertheless, Page declared his intention to continue securing victories and speaking candidly, expressing hope that the promotion will eventually provide the clear guidance he believes is absent from a system he describes as akin to struggling for opportunities in complete darkness.