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Michael ‘Venom’ Page Rejects Underdog Label Ahead of Shara Magomedov Fight: “People Underestimate Me”

Despite what the bookmakers say, Michael ‘Venom’ Page doesn’t see himself as an underdog against undefeated Russian sensation Shara…

Despite what the bookmakers say, Michael ‘Venom’ Page doesn’t see himself as an underdog against undefeated Russian sensation Shara Magomedov.

Emanating from ANB Arena in Riyadh, the UFC will return to Saudi Arabia with a loaded Fight Night card headlined by the return of former two-time middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya. The Last Stylebender’ will meet rising contender Nassourdine Imavov in the evening’s headliner while Michael Page will have his hands full against Shara ‘Bullet’ in the co-main event.

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As it stands, ‘Venom’ is listed as a +150 underdog while the 15-0 Magomedov is favored to come out on top at -175. However, none of that means anything to Page who believes styles make fights and nobody has a style quite like his.

“I think coming into the UFC, there’s a lot of question marks still,” Page said in an interview via PokerScout.com. “People still underestimated my abilities. But now that I’ve got there, I’ve gone there now, and I obviously had a couple of fights, but in those couple of fights, people have seen my ability now. I don’t see myself as the underdog in this one at all. I want to challenge myself against him and kind of see how my style fits and matches. So it’s just pure excitement.”

‘Venom’ seeks a second win UFC win against the unbeaten ‘Bullet’

Thus far, Page is 1-1 in his UFC run. He scored a unanimous decision win in his promotional debut against Kevin Holland before suffering his first loss inside the Octagon against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303.

Meanwhile, Magomedov has dispatched his first four UFC opponents, the most recent coming against Arman Petrosyan when he scored an absolutely insane double spinning back fist knockout against the Armenian.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Predicts Shara Magomedov Will Shoot for a Takedown After Getting Dominated on the Feet

It won’t be long before Shara Magomedov goes for a takedown in his co-main event clash with Michael Page…

It won’t be long before Shara Magomedov goes for a takedown in his co-main event clash with Michael Page in Saudi Arabia.

That’s the mentality ‘Venom’ is taking into the Octagon this Saturday when the UFC returns to Saudi Arabia with a stacked Fight Night card emanating from the ANB Arena in Riyadh. Page will be looking to break into the middleweight division’s top 15 when he takes on undefeated Russian knockout artist Shara Magomedov, currently the No. 14 ranked contender at 185.

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With both fighters possessing their own unique style of striking, fans should be in for a real treat. Just don’t expect the entire fight to take place on the feet.

During an interview with Inside Fighting ahead of his return to the Octagon, ‘Venom’ believes that he’ll be able to frustrate ‘Bullet’ enough on the feet, prompting him to switch things up and start shooting for takedowns.

“I think it’s two strikers going at it. Like I said, I’ve been wrong many times, including against Ian Garry, where, again, you’d think that somebody with that level of striking talent would just stay in that realm,” Page said.

“But yeah, I think Shara will maybe do something similar if things are not going his way. Or, when things don’t go his way and I’m in there, and I’m frustrating him, I’m confusing him, you know — I’m landing shots, he’s missing shots — he may decide to go a different route.”

‘Venom’ seeks his second UFC win against the unbeaten ‘Bullet’

Page will look to land his second career win inside the Octagon. He previously earned a unanimous decision W over Kevin Holland in his promotional debut before coming up short against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303 in June.

Meanwhile, Shara Magomedov made his fifth promotional appearance boasting a 15-0 record, four of those wins coming under the UFC banner. His most recent outing saw him deliver a sensational double-spinning back fist knockout against Arman Petrosyan in Abu Dhabi.

‘Venom’ Plans on Bringing the Danger to Undefeated Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov In Saudi Arabia

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is not in danger. He is the danger. Page returns to the Octagon on February 1…

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is not in danger. He is the danger.

Page returns to the Octagon on February 1 when the UFC heads back to Saudia Arabia for the first time in 2025. Standing across from him inside the cage at ANB Arena in Riyadh will be undefeated Russian sensation Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov.

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Even before their fight was booked, Magomedov suggested that his background in Lethwei would make him far more dangerous than ‘MVP’ who often deploys a distinct kickboxing style that emphasizes speed and distance over knockouts.

Of course, that doesn’t mean Page isn’t capable of landing some skull-cracking shots. Just ask Evangelistica ‘Cyborg’ Santos.

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“I’ve seen a lot of people kind of belittle where I come from because the emphasis from the style I was in before wasn’t on power, and that’s the difference,” Page told MMA Junkie. “I think a lot of people, when it comes to combat sports, they get blood thirst, and they want it to be about the power and knocking people out, where my kickboxing style gave me a very unique skill of distancing and timing.

“Just ability to move, the speed element, it gave me different attributes because it wasn’t so focused on power, and people underestimate that. Speed is power. Speed kills, and since crossing over from this so-called semi-contact world, I’ve had some devastating victories and devastating damaging shots. He’s trying to belittle it, but he seemed very respectful, and he definitely knows the danger that awaits him in a few weeks.”

‘Venom’ expects Magomedov to Lean on his grappling

Just as was the case with Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303, ‘Venom’ believes Magomedov will grow frustrated trying to strike with him, pushing the Russian to lean on his grappling game.

“Ian Garry said the same thing,” Page said. “He believes he was a better striker than me, he believes he was faster than me, he believes he hit harder than me. That wasn’t the case. I’ve seen many opponents beforehand, again, belittle – because I think my style is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing in the sense that it’s very entertaining to watch, but at the same time a lot of people can underestimate it simply because sometimes I make it look too easy. So, people feel like, ‘Yeah, he’s just better than that guy, but if I was in front of him, I’d continue doing this.’

“But, when I’m in front of them and they don’t understand the timing, the rhythm, the speed. They’re throwing shots, they can’t land anything, then they start resorting to all other actions that they may not normally take. I do believe he’s confident in his ability because he’s an undefeated fighter, very successful in his style that’s he’s done so far so, that kind of journey will make him more stubborn even when things are going wrong.

“So, I do believe he will stay there a little bit longer, but again, I’ve brought it out of so many people. I can also still see me frustrating Shara enough to still want to grab me. Just to keep me there for a second.”

Page goes into his third appearance with the promotion sporting a professional record of 22-3 with 12 of his wins coming by way of knockout and another four via submission.

Khamzat Chimaev’s ‘Crash Bandicoot’ Energy Gone – Michael ‘Venom’ Page Highlights Fighter’s Growth

Michael ‘Venom’ Page thinks Khamzat Chimaev is quickly evolving into a much more dangerous fighter. Making his promotional debut…

Michael ‘Venom’ Page thinks Khamzat Chimaev is quickly evolving into a much more dangerous fighter.

Making his promotional debut not long before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down, Chimaev made waves by picking up three finishes in eight weeks — the combined time being less than the length of a single MMA round. Tragically, Chiamev’s momentum was brought to an abrupt halt after becoming ill with COVID and seeing his health swiftly decline.

After a long battle that had him considering retirement, ‘Borz’ made a full recovery and a triumphant in October 2021, earning yet another first-round stoppage against Li Jingliang.

Since then, Chimaev has picked up four more wins, each one more impressive than the last.

Speaking with Red Corner MMA, Page offered his assessment of the Chechen’s latest quickfire finish of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, suggesting that Chimaev’s performances are becoming more measured, allowing him to fight at a consistent pace for 3-5 rounds — when necessary.

And a Khamzat Chimaev that can go a full five rounds with ease is a very dangerous Khamzat Chimaev.

“He did not seem like he is normally a Crash Bandicoot. Round one like just non-stop going crazy. This time, he seemed more composed. He’s in positions, he is picking his shots. Like, Khamzat, that could go five rounds. That’s dangerous for anybody in that division. That Khamzat there it was impressive to see his growth and intelligence in that fight” (h/t Sportskeeda).

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Khamzat Chimaev likely next in line for a shot at the middleweight title

After smashing his way through ‘The Reaper’ in Abu Dhabi, ‘Borz’ is likely the next man in line for a shot at the UFC middleweight title — just as soon as reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis settles some outstanding business with Sean Strickland.

Overall, Chimaev is a perfect 14-0 in his mixed martial arts career, eight of those wins coming inside the Octagon. Along the way, he’s picked up a slew of noteworthy wins against former champions and title challengers such as Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page releases first statement since coming up short against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303

Michael ‘Venom’ Page released his first statement since coming up short against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303. After…

Michael ‘Venom’ Page released his first statement since coming up short against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303.

After a successful promotional debut against Kevin Holland in March, ‘MVP’ failed to see his hand raised for a second straight time, surrendering a unanimous decision to ‘The Future’ after competing in a three-round scrap to kick off the main card inside T-Mobile Arena. It was just Page’s third career loss in more than a dozen years.

Several days after the defeat, ‘Venom’ offered his reaction to the loss and hinted at his plan for the future.

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“When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal,” Page wrote on Instagram.

Ian Machado Garry Snaps back at critics of his UD win over Michael ‘venom’ page

Though Garry moved to 15-0 in his mixed martial arts career, not everyone was convinced that the Irishman did enough to leave ‘Sin City’ with another win. Aside from a slew of commenters online disagreeing with the judges, UFC CEO Dana White suggested during his post-fight press conference appearance that, if anything, the fight was a draw.

Garry didn’t take kindly to the comments and responded to White’s reaction on The MMA Hour.

“You’re full of sh*t,” Garry said. “You need to go back and watch the fight. First round was mine. Here’s the thing: There is more of a case to say I won all three rounds than than there is to say it was a draw. That’s the way I look at it. First round, dominated. No one in the world is arguing that. Third round, it’s pretty obvious I won.”

Garry was willing to concede that ‘Venom’ likely won the second round, but was clearly not having the “draw” argument.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page eyes fight with Kamaru Usman after UFC 303 clash against Ian Machado Garry

Michael ‘Venom’ Page believes a win over Ian Machado Garry will put him within reach of his first UFC…

Michael ‘Venom’ Page believes a win over Ian Machado Garry will put him within reach of his first UFC title opportunity.

After besting Kevin Holland in his promotional debut at UFC 299 in March, Page will return to the Octagon on Saturday, June 29 for a clash with the undefeated Irishman. With ‘The Future’ sitting as the No. 7 ranked contender in the welterweight division, the bout will carry with it some serious title implications for both men.

Speaking with Chamatkar Sandhu, Page believes that a win over Garry will get him within earshot of reigning 170-pound king Leon Edwards, but he’ll likely need one more W to push him over the edge.

“I believe there will be one more fight in between for me,” Page said. “If I want to bring it back to the UK, there will most likely be one more fight. They usually do a show [in the UK] in March or something, so if I can get one more fight by the end of the year, that’ll be the perfect way to sign off the year.”

As for who that “one more” could come against, ‘Venom’ has the perfect opponent in mind.

“If I finish Ian, then maybe [Kamaru] Usman,” he continued. “Get a big fight next. He’s number one ranked. Again, like I said, there’s no point wasting time. Let’s jump up. Let’s go. Ask for Usman if he’s happy to go, we go. Get that win and then people… There’s no debate after that. I deserve the belt.”

Kamaru Usman was not impressive with Michael ‘Venom’ page’s UFC debut

Following Michael Page’s UFC debut, Usman admitted to being a fan of ‘Venom,’ though he couldn’t help but be a bit underwhelmed by the former Bellator star’s premiere appearance inside the Octagon.

“It was a good showing,” Usman said on his Pound-4-Pound podcast. “Let’s just start with the entrance, the entrance was great. I like ‘MVP,’ I like the fact that he had the confidence to come in and do that, entrance was great… Now, based on that entrance, I would have liked to see him fight a little bit more- he’s definitely capable of something greater than what he put out” (h/t MMA News).

After losing back-to-back bouts against Leon Edwards, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ came up short against Khamzat Chimaev after stepping in on nine days’ notice to face ‘Borz’ at UFC 294 in October. Now sitting on a three-fight skid, Usman is in no rush to return but fully intends on chasing gold once he’s ready to strap on the four-ounce gloves again.