UFC Strips Michael Page of Rankings Eligibility as Free Agent

Michael Page is no longer eligible to be ranked in the UFC after fighting out his contract with a decision win at UFC Paris, and the promotion has already pulled him from rankings voting now that he's a free agent.

"Venom" closed out his deal by outpointing Nursulton Ruziboev on the UFC Fight Night card at Accor Arena, and rankings voters were initially allowed to include him on their ballots off that win before the UFC reversed course and notified panelists he'd been removed from eligibility. The move is standard practice for fighters who leave the roster, but the timing stings a little given how Page got there.

Why Michael Page's UFC Run Ended Without a Finish

Page never found the highlight-reel knockout in the Octagon that defined his career in Bellator. Across six UFC appearances he racked up wins but never a stoppage, a strange footnote for a fighter who built his reputation on legitimately frightening one-punch power and violent finishes before he ever signed with the UFC. The Ruziboev fight followed that same script. Page had to grind through takedown attempts and control time rather than land the kind of highlight-reel shot that made him a must-watch name.

What Happens Next for Michael Page

Michael Page is a free agent, which means the UFC can still re-sign him if the two sides work out a new deal. That's the real subtext behind pulling him from the rankings. The UFC has every incentive to get a deal done before Page starts fielding offers elsewhere, whether that's a return to Bellator-style promotion under Scott Coker at a rival banner or a run through his own MVP Promotions. A fighter closing a contract on a win streak with zero losses in his last stretch is exactly the kind of asset a promoter does not want walking out the door.

Betting Angle

Page's stock as a betting proposition has always been tied to his flash finishing ability, and that's precisely what's been missing inside the Octagon. Sportsbooks and matchmakers alike will be watching where he lands next, because his live-underdog appeal against wrestling-heavy opponents was built on the threat of a finish. Without a UFC finish on his record in six tries, oddsmakers may start pricing him more like a durable, awkward decision winner than the highlight-reel knockout artist he was in Bellator. Wherever he signs next, expect his stoppage rate, not just his win-loss record, to be the number bettors watch closest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Michael Page removed from the UFC rankings?

Michael Page was pulled from UFC rankings eligibility because he fought out his contract with a win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris and is now a free agent, which makes him ineligible for the promotion's rankings.

Did Michael Page win his last UFC fight?

Yes, Michael Page defeated Nursulton Ruziboev by unanimous decision at UFC Paris in what turned out to be the final fight on his UFC contract.

Can Michael Page still re-sign with the UFC?

Yes, Michael Page is a free agent and remains eligible to sign a new deal with the UFC, though he could also explore other promotions like Bellator-style outfits under Scott Coker or his own MVP Promotions.