'I Don't Need To Prove Myself' – Michael 'Venom' Page Wants Michael Chandler Treatment In Potential UFC Signing

Former Bellator star Michael ‘Venom’ Page feels he warrants a big-name fight for his UFC debut should he sign with the promotion.

Page entered free agency earlier this year following a long tenure in Bellator. It remains possible that Page could opt to return to Bellator on a new deal, although he’s listening to offers from the UFC, PFL, and other destinations.

Page hasn’t fought in MMA since a win over Goiti Yamauchi back in March. He also fought in bare-knuckle boxing last year, falling to Mike Perry at Bare Knuckle FC 27.

The 36-year-old Page isn’t the only top former Bellator fighter to draw interest from the UFC. Michael Chandler, who challenged for the then-vacant UFC lightweight title in his second promotional fight, has emerged as one of the promotion’s biggest names.

Chandler didn’t get a ‘tune-up fight’ for his first UFC assignment, facing Dan Hooker at UFC 257 and getting a first-round knockout. If Page opts to sign with the UFC, he wants similar treatment.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Wants Quick Track To UFC Contention

During a recent interview with David Adesanya, Page revealed what he wants his UFC debut to look like if he signs with the promotion.

“I want Top 5, Top 10 max,” Page said. “I don’t feel like I need to prove myself all over again. I just want to go in there…and we’ve seen it with Michael Chandler…he fought a Top 10 Dan Hooker, great first win for him that just sprung him to title contention. That’s the route I see myself in, I don’t see it in any other way. I don’t need a warm up fight, and it’s not like I’ve been out of the game for ages. I’m ready to go now.”

Chandler is expected to face Conor McGregor for his next UFC fight, potentially as soon as December. He hasn’t fought since a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.

Page is one of the most electric strikers in MMA today; with a karate style that has proven to be a difficult puzzle to solve. 13 of Page’s 21 career wins have come by knockout.

The UFC remains a frontrunner for Page’s services. If he opts to make the move to the Octagon, Page wants to be similar to his former Bellator colleague.

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