Michael Page on the down and gloom after ‘friend’ Israel Adesanya’s defeat: “It’s hard to celebrate now…”
Michael Page stops UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight celebrations after Israel Adesanya's third straight loss at the UFC Fight Night 250 headliner.
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Michael Page isn't happy about Israel Adesanya losing at UFC Saudi Arabia (Source: X)
Israel Adesanya suffered just the second knockout loss of his MMA career at UFC Saudi Arabia today. Before that, Michael ‘Venom’ Page won big in the co-main event live from inside ANB Arena. Given all that transpired, the festivities will have to wait for Page. He was in no mood to celebrate in full swing just yet due to his friend ‘Last Stylebender losing.
Michael “Venom” Page defeated Shara Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) at UFC Saudi Arabia. Page had met, and cracked through many kickboxers during his tenure. But Israel Adesanya and MVP worked up an organic friendship unlike any other. The duo had a recent fight week linkup; both shared tidbits on their kickboxing-heavy strike and pounce.
I, … I’m obviously just disappointed. I was upset it’s hard to…It’s hard to celebrate now you know what I mean. I achieved something – and then I was looking for my. …my brother to do the same thing. So it’s…so…um, I thought he looked good in the first round yeah especially his wrestling. he actually did say he’s going to wrestle and he had a nice counter he defended a couple of Takedowns, …[but] his chin was a bit too high.
Michael “Venom” Page via ESPN MMA (@ESPNMMA) w/ Dan Hellie, Alan Jouban and Michael Bisping
‘Last Stylebender’ lost big in an upset to Nassourdine Imavov. A +140 underdog on the money line, per DraftKings Sportsbook, none expected him to punctuate such an upset. The Frenchman swarmed former champ Adesanya out good and is now a winner in seven of his past eight fights. He can make a good case for the 185-pound top spot, especially if Dricus Du Plessis wins at UFC 312 PPV.
Imavov’s last major loss came against Sean Strickland, and knowing Strickland, he’d hardly give a chance yet again. As for Adesanya, this marks quite a slump. However, all hope is not out the window. Other than Michael Page, Izzy has found a rare ally in UFC CEO Dana White.
Dana White: Israel Adesanya was an all-star until ‘he got caught’ at UFC Saudi Arabia headliner
Israel Adesanya may have lost three straight fights. But that doesn’t mean he’s lost the confidence of UFC CEO Dana White. The rare KO stunner at UFC Saudi Arabia did not have title implications. So, it’s all well for now, as long as the boss is concerned.
After the French fighter swarmed and finished Adesanya (24-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC), White took an empathetic stand. During the post-fight conference, the boss even praised the former UFC middleweight champion.
I thought Izzy looked incredible…up until he got caught, …He looked good. He was picking him apart, staying on the outside…[His] takedown defense was incredible, chopping that calf kick the whole first round. He couldn’t have had a better first round – and then he got caught… Listen, getting caught is getting caught. He’s 35. Imavov is 28. He’s in his prime. … He looked incredible. You couldn’t have fought a better first round than he did.
Dana White during UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight conference interviews
The Team CKB middleweight did fend off a few takedowns and was on point with minimal, constricted wrestling. It’s something even Michael Page lauded on the UFC Post Show panel. He also pieced Imavov off with slicers but to no avail. So, as far as his skills test goes, brass and peers agree it’s still that Adesanya. But the result was quite different,
Adesanya, 35, hadn’t fought in a non-title fight since 2019 prior to Saturday’s bout vs. Imavov. He’s 1-4 in his last five fights, with three of those losses coming by stoppage. Now, it remains if he gets non-committal towards a solid trajectory after this UFC Saudi Arabia loss.
Related: Israel Adesanya’s girlfriend: Know all about The Last Stylebender’s relationships
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