Dana White confirms Michael Page's UFC tenure ends after Paris decision win

Key points

• Dana White stated that Page's contract ended with his recent bout and that the UFC has no intention of re-signing him.
• Page won his final UFC fight by unanimous decision against Nursulton Ruziboev, extending his UFC record to 5-1.
• The fighter was removed from official rankings eligibility following the conclusion of his contract.
• Page is now a free agent, with potential options including the PFL, BKFC, or boxing.
• Derek Brunson, also a free agent, has called out Page for a potential matchup.

Background

Michael Page joined the UFC in 2024 after a successful stint with Bellator, where he compiled a 17-2 record and became known for flashy knockouts. His move to the UFC coincided with the promotion's absorption of Bellator. In his new environment, Page struggled to replicate his finishing rate, going 5-1 with all wins coming by decision. His recent performance in Paris drew criticism for lacking excitement, despite his technical skill. This follows earlier speculation about his contract status and outspokenness regarding UFC business practices.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie and BBC report that Dana White explicitly confirmed the end of Page's contract, with White stating it was 'pretty obvious' the fighter would not be re-signed. BBC highlighted the 'underwhelming' nature of the final fight, noting that the crowd booed Page despite his victory, and that he landed only 12 significant strikes. SHERDOG focused on the immediate aftermath, reporting that Derek Brunson called out Page for a fight between two free agents. MMA Fighting emphasized the critical reception, quoting Robert Whittaker, who admitted he did not want to watch the fight live due to Page's calculated, point-scoring style, though he respected Page's speed and longevity. All sources agree that Page is now a free agent, but they differ in emphasis: some focus on the contractual finality, others on the fan and media reaction to his performance, and others on potential future opponents or promotions.

Why it matters

The departure of a high-profile, long-time Bellator star like Michael Page signals a shift in the UFC's roster strategy, potentially favoring younger, more explosive fighters. It also highlights the tension between a fighter's technical skill and the entertainment value demanded by the promotion. Page's exit opens up opportunities for other promotions like PFL and BKFC to attract a major name, and his potential matchup with Derek Brunson could become a significant free-agent event. The situation also underscores the challenges faced by veteran fighters in adapting to the UFC's expectations for finishes and excitement.

What to watch

Michael Page is expected to explore options with other promotions, including the PFL, BKFC, or potentially boxing. Derek Brunson has publicly called out Page for a fight, which could materialize if both parties agree. The UFC will likely focus on signing younger, more explosive fighters to fill the void left by Page. Fans and media will watch to see if Page can adapt his style to be more exciting in a new environment, or if he will continue to rely on his technical, point-based approach.