MVP's Next Move After UFC Cut At 5-1

Michael Page is 5-1 in the UFC and out of a job.

The British striker, who lost only a split decision to top middleweight contender Ian Machado Garry during his promotional run, was released after his September 5 decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris. MMA Mania addressed his status in its weekly mailbag, with staff writers pointing to MVP — the promotion launched by Jake Paul and backed by Saudi Arabia — as the likeliest landing spot.

Where Page Fights Next

"Scott Coker's promotion doesn't look like it's gotten out the blocks yet," Tim Edwards wrote in the mailbag. "I also agree with the question that Page was more of an aggressor in this most recent fight." Edwards noted that Page previously faced Mike Perry in a 2022 BKFC bout, losing by decision, and suggested bare knuckle could make another run at the karate specialist.

Thomas Myers said Page rubbed UFC president Dana White the wrong way and predicted a move outside the Las Vegas-based promotion. Alex Behunin called the release ridiculous given Page's record and suggested Karate Combat as an option, though he acknowledged MVP would be a better financial fit.

Andrew Richardson advocated for matchups with aggressive opponents after Page's Kevin Holland win proved more entertaining than his static bouts with Garry and Shara Magomedov. "If you want Page to have fun fights, you gotta book him against guys who will go forward," Richardson wrote.

The mailbag also tackled whether oblique kicks — which Page used to damage Ruziboev's knee in Paris — should remain legal. Richardson and Edwards both argued that knee surgery carries less long-term risk than the repeated head trauma fighters absorb in every bout. Page faces free agency for the first time since leaving Bellator in 2024.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Mania Mailbag: What do you do with MVP? And… is he a dirty fighter?