UFC CEO Dana White Called Out on Popular Podcast for Sidelining Michael ‘Venom’ Page from Fighting 

Dana White gets called out by Michael ‘Venom’ Page for inefficient matchmaking and a lack of opponents at his natural weight class.

UFC CEO Dana White Called Out on Popular Podcast for Sidelining Michael ‘Venom’ Page from Fighting 

Michael ‘Venom’ Page blames Dana White for not being active in UFC (via X)

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Michael ‘Venom’ Page is one of the most recognizable names on the UFC roster due to his flashy MMA career. Before joining the UFC, Page enjoyed a decorated Bellator run that built his reputation and established a loyal fanbase. Now 38, Page hopes to replicate that success in UFC but feels frustrated by limited opportunities and continued perceived neglect.

Page competed twice in 2025, first defeating Sharaputdin Magomedov in February through a composed and disciplined unanimous decision performance. He then faced former title contender Jared Cannonier, securing another unanimous decision victory that further strengthened his growing momentum.

Despite back-to-back wins, six months have passed without action, leaving the veteran visibly frustrated about the inactivity. In a recent interview, MVP voiced concerns, openly criticizing UFC matchmaking politics and claiming deserving fighters are often overlooked.

I’m in two divisions. I wanna be at welterweight. I have taken a middleweight fight…I was like, ‘OK, give me a welterweight fight.’ Nobody’s available. Okay, give me another middleweight fight.’ They gave me another middleweight fight. Cool. ‘Give me a welterweight fight.’ Nobody’s available. How can nobody be available? This is literally what I’m getting messaged back… I’m all ready for months and you don’t have plans for me.

Michael Venom Page via ShxtsnGigs

Page is targeting a March 21, 2026, return at UFC London’s O2 Arena, likely fighting at welterweight or middleweight, though no opponent is confirmed yet. He has publicly expressed interest in high-profile matchups, including an all-British clash and big division names, seeking a meaningful bout.

Page has specifically called out rising prospect Michael Morales as a desirable opponent, hoping the promotion will honor his request and book the matchup. While he’s mentioned British rival Leon Edwards as another intriguing target, his comments did not explicitly state he wants that following Edwards’ loss to Carlos Prates.

Michael Page is widely regarded as one of MMA’s most entertaining strikers, known for his karate stance, movement, and showmanship. Throughout his career, Page has produced highlight reel finishes, including wins over fighters like Evangelista Cyborg and Paul Daley.

His ability to taunt opponents mid-fight, land unorthodox strikes, and hurt opponents creatively has consistently separated him from conventional fighters. Despite his age, Page has repeatedly stated he wants to remain highly active, believing frequent fights are key to momentum. It will be interesting to see how UFC CEO Dana White plans the next fight for MVP in 2026.

Dana White gets asked for the much-anticipated Bantamweight title clash for the White House event 

Dana White has shown extreme enthusiasm for the proposed White House UFC event, calling it a historic moment for combat sports. He has publicly discussed early planning stages, emphasizing logistics, security coordination, and delivering a global spectacle unlike anything before.

Dana White to make Sean O'Malley vs. Petr Yan for the White House event
Dana White to make Sean O’Malley vs. Petr Yan for the White House event (via X)

White believes hosting fights at the White House would symbolize MMA’s mainstream acceptance and strengthen the UFC’s cultural relevance. The UFC is planning its historic White House event for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C. Rumors suggested the card could feature 8-9 title fights, creating one of the deepest championship lineups in UFC history. 

Newly crowned UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan has publicly appealed to Dana White for a title defense against Sean O’Malley at the White House card. The Russian fighter recently defeated Merab Dvalishvili to reclaim bantamweight gold, cementing his legacy as a two-time champion.

Yan shares a heated rivalry with Sean O’Malley, having previously lost controversially, and now seeks revenge to settle unfinished business. ‘Suga’ has lost title fights twice yet believes he can beat Yan again, leaving fans wondering whether Dana White will book a title rematch.

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