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Michael Venom Page plots title fight with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC 299 debut: ‘I’m here to get the bling’

Michael Venom Page plots title fight with Leon Edwards after UFC 299 I'm here to get the bling Michael ‘Venom’ Page reveals positive discussions with UFC that led him to sign with the promotion. During his career,…

Michael ‘Venom’ Page reveals positive discussions with UFC that led him to sign with the promotion.

During his career, Page has been one of the bigger names outside of the UFC but this weekend he will make his first walk for the promotion. He will take on Kevin Holland on the main card of UFC 299 in Miami, Florida – a big name and a big spot for someone making their debut.

Michael Venom Page plots title win after UFC 299

Spending the majority of his career at Bellator, Michael Venom Page revealed that the UFC had actually reached out before he had officially become a free agent.

“Interestingly enough, their first reach out was kind of a mistake on their part, because it kind of showed their interest,” Michael Venom Page told assembled media ahead of UFC 299. “Basically, when I did my bare-knuckle fight, and I announced I was going my bare-knuckle fight, people reached out, ‘Does that mean he’s a free agent?’ Obviously the UFC reached out like, ‘Is he a free agent?’ So we’re like, oh, somebody’s interested, huh?”

Now 36, Page is entering the tail end of his career and will need to make his time with the promotion count. The Englishman’s sights are set firmly at the top and fully expects to reach the welterweight title.

“I don’t do things just to make up numbers,” Page said. “We’re here for the belt. I’m here to get the bling. Getting to the top is key, which is why I start with somebody the likes of Kevin Holland. It needs to be that type of challenge. I don’t have time to try to build myself up, and I don’t need to. That was a conversation that I had with the UFC. They were equally in agreement with that and I think they’ve shown their intentions by giving me Kevin Holland first.”

Michael Page UFC 299 Presser — Mandatory Credit: Mike Roach – Zuffa LLC

According to Page, the UFC appreciate the marketability of the London Shootfighters’ striker and is aligned with his goals.

“The reason I got a fighter of this standard, this level is their intentions align with mine of wanting to be at the top,” Michael Venom Page continued. “I always say the added value I think I bring is I’m very capable of marketing myself without anybody. I’m very good, I’m very aware of how to utilize certain spaces to help market myself, and I think they understand me with a title and my brain, and how to market as well, it’s great for everybody, all parties involved. So definitely, this win will put me up there.”

How far will Michael Venom Page go in the UFC?

Chael Sonnen held at undisclosed location ahead of UFC 299 to protect him from Jorge Masvidal

Don’t expect to see Chael Sonnen walking the streets of Miami this weekend without some muscle to back him…

Don’t expect to see Chael Sonnen walking the streets of Miami this weekend without some muscle to back him up.

Though ‘The American Gangster’ hardly needs protection, that’s exactly what he’s been saddled with after Jorge Masvidal made multiple threats of physical violence against the West Linn, Oregon native.

Chael would be one guy that I would love to break his eye orbital,” Masvidal said during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. “Just because he’s such a cheating f*ck. Like he’s gotten caught with more substances in his body than any other competitor in the history. At one time he had like six or seven different substances in his body for one of his title fights. It’s like you’re a f*cking piece of sh*t human being.”

It was the second time that we’ve seen ‘Gamebred’ spit venom at the three-time UFC title challenger, the first occurring in November when Masvidal slammed Sonnen during a profanity-laced rant despite there being no prior enmity between the two.

Chael Sonnen reveals threats from Jorge Masvidal

With both men expected to be in attendance at the Kaseya Center for UFC 299 on Saturday night, Sonnen revealed in a YouTube video that he was being held at an undisclosed location with guards at his door to prevent any potential shenanigans from the former BMF titleholder.

I am at a separate location from everybody else with two security guards because I have been threatened by Jorge Masvidal,” Sonnen said. “I gotta tell you, I went into the tough guy business very early so that I would never have to worry about the very situation that I find myself in right now. There’s guys out there that I would have to worry about, but there are extremely few and I’m never going to run into one of them outside of a cage because no man would be that foolish. Yet here I am with two guys who will not allow me to leave my room.”

As silly as all of this sounds, we need to remember that Masvidal does have a history of sneak-attacking fighters in the street. Weeks removed from his March 2022 clash with bitter rival Colby Covington at UFC 272, ‘Gamebred’ notoriously ran up on Covington outside of a Miami steakhouse and sucker punched him, chipping his tooth in the process. Masvidal pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge and was ultimately sentenced to time served and court costs.

Three years prior, Masvidal was involved in the infamous “three-piece and a soda” incident with Leon Edwards following a Fight Night event at the O2 Arena in London. And this weekend, Sonnen is poised to feature in the same arena as the former — as he takes on desk duty for ESPN at UFC 299.

“I don’t think Jorge Masvial would do anything, but I’m not certain. I’m not positive. There’s a part of me that also knows he would. He’s done it before, but I don’t fully know how we got here. I know why I am not happy with Masvidal. Because he went on Ariel’s show and said that he was not happy with me. I know why I’m bothered by Mavidal, but I don’t know why he’s bothered with me.

“It’s a very hard thing to imagine. Could you imagine not liking Chael? I’m a charming guy. Charismatic. Loyalty, honor, respect. You could apply all of those things to me and Masvidal finds that the Chael charm is not quite as powerful as some. Therefore, I sit before you in a secluded room with my own pool and hot tub.”

What are your thoughts on Chael Sonnen’s situation ahead of his appearance at UFC 299 this weekend?

Chael Sonnen held at undisclosed location ahead of UFC 299 to protect him from Jorge Masvidal

Don’t expect to see Chael Sonnen walking the streets of Miami this weekend without some muscle to back him…

Don’t expect to see Chael Sonnen walking the streets of Miami this weekend without some muscle to back him up.

Chael would be one guy that I would love to break his eye orbital,” Masvidal said during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. “Just because he’s such a cheating f*ck. Like he’s gotten caught with more substances in his body than any other competitor in the history. At one time he had like six or seven different substances in his body for one of his title fights. It’s like you’re a f*cking piece of sh*t human being.”

Chael Sonnen reveals threats from Jorge Masvidal

I am at a separate location from everybody else with two security guards because I have been threatened by Jorge Masvidal,” Sonnen said. “I gotta tell you, I went into the tough guy business very early so that I would never have to worry about the very situation that I find myself in right now. There’s guys out there that I would have to worry about, but there are extremely few and I’m never going to run into one of them outside of a cage because no man would be that foolish. Yet here I am with two guys who will not allow me to leave my room.”

“I don’t think Jorge Masvial would do anything, but I’m not certain. I’m not positive. There’s a part of me that also knows he would. He’s done it before, but I don’t fully know how we got here. I know why I am not happy with Masvidal. Because he went on Ariel’s show and said that he was not happy with me. I know why I’m bothered by Mavidal, but I don’t know why he’s bothered with me.

“It’s a very hard thing to imagine. Could you imagine not liking Chael? I’m a charming guy. Charismatic. Loyalty, honor, respect. You could apply all of those things to me and Masvidal finds that the Chael charm is not quite as powerful as some. Therefore, I sit before you in a secluded room with my own pool and hot tub.”

What are your thoughts on Chael Sonnen’s situation ahead of his appearance at UFC 299 this weekend?

Sean O’Malley heckled by crowd during UFC 299 presser, blasts arch rival Chito Vera: ‘He’s a piñata’

Remaining supremely confident of landing his first successful bantamweight title defense this weekend at UFC 299, Sean O’Malley branded…

Remaining supremely confident of landing his first successful bantamweight title defense this weekend at UFC 299, Sean O’Malley branded incoming foe, Marlon Vera a “piñata” ahead of their championship rematch – receiving his fair share of boos and heckles to boot during tonight’s pre-fight press conference.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight titleholder, is slated to make his return to the Octagon this weekend in Miami, Florida – taking on former opponent, Vera in a championship grudge fight atop UFC 299 in the ‘Sunshine State’.

Attempting to avenge his first promotional loss, Montana native, Sean O’Malley dropped his perfect professional record in first round ground strikes TKO loss to the Ecuadorian back in 2020 during the duo’s initial rise through the bantamweight ranks.

Sean O’Malley takes aim at Chito Vera during UFC 299 presser

And sharing the stage with the Chone native tonight ahead of their grudge clash at the Kaseya Center in Miami, O’Malley attempted to jab at Vera, calling him a “piñata” as well as hitting out at former foe, Petr Yan – and likely next title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili – who is also set to serve as the official backup fighter to this weekend’s main event clash.

Facing off with Vera to close out the night’s press event in Miami – O’Malley, sporting a green shimmering robe – of sorts, shared an intense face-off with the soel fighter to beat him, with security and UFC officials keeping a close eye on their coming together.

UFC 299 takes place this weekend at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida – with the undisputed bantamweight title fight between O’Malley and Vera slated to take main event honors.

UFC 299 Presser — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

In the night’s co-main event, former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier takes on surging Nimes native, Benoit Saint-Denis in a five round clash, however, speculation has been rife regarding the Frenchman’s condition, with fans appearing to spot a potential staph infection on the contender’s forehead ahead of fight night.

Who wins this weekend in Miami at UFC 299: Sean O’Malley or Chito Vera?

Ilia Topuria issued fierce warning by UFC 299 star Sean O’Malley: ‘I’d go up there and KO him real quick’

Despite having his proverbial hands full with incoming bantamweight championship challenger, Marlon Vera this weekend at UFC 299 –…

Despite having his proverbial hands full with incoming bantamweight championship challenger, Marlon Vera this weekend at UFC 299 – Sean O’Malley has already plotted a dominant, quickfire knockout win over recently-minted featherweight kingpin, Ilia Topuria in the near future.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, is slated to headline UFC 299 this weekend in the promotion’s return to Miami, Florida.

Attempting to avenge his first professional loss, O’Malley takes on Ecuadorian favorite, Vera – after the latter stopped him with a first round ground strikes TKO win four years ago during the pair’s bantamweight rise.

Minting himself as the best at bantamweight last August, however, O’Malley turned in a stunning second round knockout win over record-setting champion, Aljamain Sterling – coronating himself as the 135 pound champion.

And staking his claim for a rematch with Chone rival, Vera off the back of his victory over Sterling, O’Malley will attempt to lodge his first championship defense in ‘The Sunshine State’ this weekend.

Sean O’Malley previews Ilia Topuria showdown

Furthermore, despite Georgian force, Merab Dvalishvili distinctly waiting in the wings to challenge for gold come the culmination of UFC 299, Montana native, O’Malley has claimed he would stop the aforenoted, Topuria in quickfire fashion to become a two-weight champion, before returning to his bantamweight stomping grounds.

“[A] beautiful performance,” Sean O’Malley told assembled media of Ilia Topuria’s title win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last month. “I was there live, it was a cool moment. It was, you know – Ilia is a scary little dude. That fight [with him] excites me. [I] would definitely like to get that fight, eventually.”

Sean O’Malley on Ilia Topuria: “I’d just go up there and knock him out real quick then head back down” pic.twitter.com/VlP25pAc7s

— Oscar Willis (@oscarswillis) March 6, 2024

“Yeah, I would move up to 145 [pounds] for that,’ Sean O’Malley explained. “But, I’m a bantamweight, you know, for the next couple years. If I did do that, you know, it would be up there, just go up there, and knock him out real quick, then head back down [to bantamweight].”

Who wins in a future super fight: Ilia Topuria or Sean O’Malley?

UFC 299 fight cast into doubt, fans speculate Benoit Saint-Denis struck down with nasty staph infection

UFC lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis appears to have a staph infection just days out from his UFC 299 co-main event…

UFC lightweight Benoit Saint-Denis appears to have a staph infection just days out from his UFC 299 co-main event fight with Dustin Poirier.

As part of his media duties, Saint-Denis has been subjected to numerous interviews and photoshoots which has meant his face has been front and centre for all to see. Why would that be a problem? Well, it appears the Frenchman has picked up a skin infection, on his face.

Numerous fighters and fans would point out the possible infection via social media, but there has been no response from either Saint-Denis or his team to this point. There has also been no comment from the UFC, but it will likely get brought up at some point this week.

Benoit Saint-Denis’ condition called into question

While not the most serious case, the almost crater-like appearance does suggest that Saint-Denis has a staph infection, which is common for MMA fighters. Staph infections are caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus and is often picked up through close skin-on-skin contact and can flare up from something as small as a graze or ingrown hair. It will require at the very least antibiotics and often is nothing too serious, but more severe cases can result in hospitalisation and even death.

With small skin infections, fighters will sometimes try and enter a fight, particularly if it is one of the magnitude of Saint-Denis’ upcoming clash. Not only can this put Benoit Saint-Denis’ opponent, Dustin Poirier, at risk by giving it through direct contact, but infectious bacteria can also be left on the canvas leaving the rest of the night’s fighters the possibility of also picking it up.

It can also have an impact on an athlete’s performance and can leave fighters feeling weak, slow and with a depleted gas tank.

How do you think the possible staph infection will impact Benoit Saint-Denis come fight night?