Imagine being a top-tier fighter, fresh off a win against a former title contender, only to be matched with an unranked opponent. That’s the reality for Michael Page, and even UFC legend Daniel Cormier is scratching his head over this decision. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the UFC sidelining Page, or is this just a mismatch in matchmaking? Let’s dive in.
Michael Page (24-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) isn’t your average fighter. Since joining the UFC, he’s consistently battled ranked opponents, including a decision win over Jared Cannonier at UFC 319. Yet, in a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Page expressed frustration over his upcoming bout against Sam Patterson (14-2-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), an unranked fighter. Page even questioned whether he’d inadvertently upset the UFC, leading to this unexpected matchup. The fight is set for UFC Fight Night 270 on March 21 at The O2 in London, streaming on Paramount+.
Daniel Cormier, UFC Hall of Famer and commentator, echoed Page’s confusion on his YouTube channel. “No disrespect to Sam Patterson—he’s tough and talented—but this isn’t the fight you’d expect for Michael ‘Venom’ Page,” Cormier noted. Patterson, while on a four-fight win streak with finishes, lost his UFC debut and doesn’t match the caliber of Page’s previous opponents like Ian Machado Garry, Shara Magomedov, or Kevin Holland.
And this is the part most people miss: Page and Patterson have trained together and know each other personally, adding an awkward layer to the matchup. Cormier suggests Page’s disappointment likely stems from the mismatch in career trajectories. After facing a former title challenger, Page expected a step up, not a lateral move.
But here’s the real question: Is the UFC struggling to find opponents for Page due to his unique style, or is there something more at play? Page’s tricky fighting style has made him a hard sell for many contenders, causing him to float between welterweight and middleweight. Despite beating Cannonier, he remains unranked in middleweight and sits at No. 14 in welterweight. Cormier believes this matchup puts pressure on Page to deliver a spectacular finish—something he hasn’t done since his Bellator days.
If Patterson wins, it’s a career boost for him. But if Page wins, what’s next? “If you can’t get a fight after beating Jared Cannonier, how much easier will it be after Sam Patterson?” Cormier asks. This fight could redefine Page’s trajectory, but only if he makes a statement.
What do you think? Is the UFC doing Page a disservice, or is this a necessary step in his career? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
