UFC 319 – Jared Cannonier vs Michael "Venom" Page: Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC 319 undercard serves up a clash of striking styles as Jared Cannonier meets Michael “Venom” Page in a fight that could turn into either a patient chess match or a violent firefight in the centre of the Octagon.

Cannonier (18-8) is now at the latter stage of his career, but he still packs enough of a punch to threaten some of the very best middleweights in the UFC. With two losses in his last three fights at the age of 41, there have been rumours stating that he is on the chopping block in terms of potentially being cut from the UFC.

Page (23-3) is the ultimate entertainer, and it’s a shame he didn’t enter the UFC roster several years before he did. Nevertheless, at 38, he still possesses extraordinary speed, reflexes and timing to go with his unique style of fighting.

Tale of the Tape

Jared Cannonier – Odds 2.50 (Sky Bet)

Record: 18-8

Age: 41

Height: 5ft11

Reach: 77”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Switch

Michael “Venom” Page – Odds 1.53 (Sky Bet)

Record: 23-3

Age: 38

Height: 6ft3

Reach: 79”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Switch

Jared Cannonier vs Michael “Venom” Page: Analysis

Cannonier has built his reputation on fight-ending power. Whether standing orthodox or southpaw, “The Killa Gorilla” launches heavy kicks from both stances and carries knockout power in either hand. His resume speaks for itself, with big-name victories and a track record of punishing opponents who can’t handle his forward pressure.

While he’s never been known for overwhelming grappling offense, the American’s takedown defence is solid, often forcing opponents to engage him in the middle of the cage. At 41, however, questions remain about whether his speed and cardio can hold up over three hard rounds, particularly against a rangy elusive striker like Page.

Page’s style is instantly recognisable; he has a long stance, uses explosive bursts and angles that are completely different to normal MMA strikers. With a decorated karate background, MVP thrives in creating distance, baiting reactions out of his opponents and then capitalising with pinpoint counters.

His accuracy and timing have always been among the best in the sport, and despite being past his athletic peak, he remains a dangerous puzzle for anyone to solve.

Cannonier vs Page: Prediction & Betting Tips

MVP’s main challenge here is the physical disparity. Against bigger, stronger opponents, he often has to work harder to avoid damage, and Cannonier’s one-shot knockout potential looms large. If “The Killa Gorilla” lands clean, it could be lights out for the Londoner.

There is also another dimension to the fight where the American could potentially lean on his brute strength to force this fight to the ground. If that does happen, it would be extremely difficult for MVP to survive Cannonier’s heavy ground-and-pound.

The age factor is also worth noting because while Cannonier’s power is still there, the explosion and sustained output aren’t what they once were. So Page’s speed advantage could become more pronounced as the fight progresses.

Stylistically, this is a winnable matchup for MVP. His quickness, unorthodox angles, and range control could allow him to bank early rounds while avoiding Cannonier’s biggest shots before making him tired.

I like Michael “Venom” Page to win either in round 3 or via decision at odds of 2.00 (Sky Bet).

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