MVP’s first potential UFC opponent shares his thoughts after Page showed up at PFL Europe to face off against rising star Cedric Doumbe.
Is Michael “Venom” Page headed to the UFC or the PFL?
That’s a very real question we’re grappling with this weekend after “MVP” showed up at Friday’s PFL Europe 4 event in Dublin, Ireland. Not only was Page spotted front row, he actually entered the PFL Smartcage to face off with potential French superstar Cedric Doumbe, who said he hoped his next fight would be against “Venom.”
While some have taken this to mean Page is headed to PFL, there’s been no official announcement from anyone regarding the situation. This almost-news is similar to another situation last week when “MVP” appeared on leaked matchmaking boards from UFC CEO Dana White’s office. That showed brass were hoping to match Page against Kevin Holland.
Who wants to see @CedricDoumbe @Michaelpage247? #PFLDublin | Live on DAZN pic.twitter.com/M7nAqxmCnQ
— DAZN MMA (@daznmma) December 8, 2023
Now Kevin Holland is commenting on potentially losing Michael Page as an opponent
“If Michael ‘Venom’ Page signs with the PFL, that’s a money move not a legacy move,” Holland said. “And it’s kind of hard to get mad at him. But as a fight fan, you definitely want to see the bangers over here in the UFC versus the quick highlights and money grabs over there at PFL. Props to the guy for caring more about his chin and his f—ing pockets than his legacy.”
Not like Kevin Holland needs reminding, but this is prize fighting so the prize is a somewhat important piece of the puzzle when deciding where you’re going to go. If the UFC misses out on bringing “Venom” over, it’s because they weren’t willing to pay him enough. They’ve f—ed up like that before with Cedric Doumbe, so it would be fitting if MVP and the French kickboxer fought each other.
Will the real MVP please stand up pic.twitter.com/6OuJBeLXcR
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) December 9, 2023
The last time we heard Page speak about contract negotiations with the UFC, he said “We flirting.”
“The interest is just in being looked after as a fighter more than anything,” he added. “And the crazy thing about the PFL: every person I’ve spoken to that’s in PFL that I’m friends with, not one person has said anything bad. They would be honest and open, it’s just being treated well and being looked after as a fighter, because of how difficult what we do is.”