MVP Says UFC Exit Felt Disrespectful, Talks Jake Paul Offer
Michael Venom Page says his UFC exit felt disrespectful and reveals interest in signing with Jake Paul's MVP.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team.
Michael "Venom" Page says he felt disrespected by how the UFC handled his release, and he now has interest from multiple promotions including Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions.
Page closed out his UFC contract earlier this month at UFC Paris with a unanimous decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev, pushing his promotional record to 5-1 and extending his winning streak to four fights. Days later, word broke that the UFC would not offer him a new deal. Page says he learned about his own release the same way everyone else did, off a phone screen.
Why Does MVP Say the UFC Disrespected Him
Page's frustration centers on communication, not the roster decision itself. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, he said he expected a conversation about a shorter, lighter contract rather than an outright non-renewal with no heads-up. He also pointed to being denied a post-fight octagon interview after the Ruziboev win, calling it the second time that's happened to him despite watching fighters coming off far less competitive fights get the microphone. Page still said he messaged UFC staff to thank them for his time with the promotion, framing this as a gripe about process rather than bitterness toward the people he worked with.
What's Next for Michael Venom Page
Page is drawing interest from multiple organizations now that he's a free agent, and Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions is among them. Page confirmed to Helwani that he's open to signing with Paul's outfit and said he wants roughly two more years of fighting before considering retirement. At 39, that timeline suggests Page is looking for the biggest, most lucrative opportunities left on the board rather than a long-term rebuild anywhere.
Betting Angle
A move to Most Valuable Promotions would likely put Page in high-profile crossover or showcase bouts rather than deep title chases, and those cards tend to draw heavier public betting interest and wider, more emotionally-driven lines than a typical UFC undercard. Page's kickboxing-honed, high-volume striking style has historically made him live for finishes against less experienced or MMA-limited opposition, the exact kind of matchup a promotion like MVP's would be inclined to build for him. Whichever promotion lands him, expect sportsbooks to price him as a betting favorite in most non-elite matchups given his UFC form, but watch the room for stylistic mismatches since Page's biggest wobble in the past came against high-pressure wrestlers who could close distance on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michael Venom Page leave the UFC?
The UFC chose not to offer Michael Venom Page a new contract after his win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris completed his existing deal, making him a free agent.
What did Michael Venom Page say about how the UFC handled his exit?
Michael Venom Page said he felt disrespected because the UFC did not have a conversation with him before releasing him and he found out at the same time as the public.
Is Michael Venom Page signing with Jake Paul's promotion?
Michael Venom Page has said he is interested in signing with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and has received interest from multiple organizations since becoming a free agent.
