Michael 'Venom' Page delivered an impressive performance at UFC Fight Night 250, effectively handing Shara Magomedov his first career loss. The unanimous decision victory took place on Saturday at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Page showcased his tactical prowess and unique fighting style.
Before the fight, Page, who has now improved his record to 23 wins against 3 losses, expressed his desire to drop back down to welterweight after facing Magomedov. Post-fight discussions, including those by UFC commentator Michael Bisping, raised questions about whether Page would be more competitive at the middleweight level. Bisping suggested, "MVP, I would like to see him stay at 185 – but he told us at the post-fight show he wants to go back down to 170.”
Bisping also highlighted the challenges Page may face should he return to welterweight, stating, “There’s Kamaru Usman and many, many others.” He praised Page's performance, saying, "MVP was by far the best man tonight," emphasizing the control Page demonstrated throughout the fight.
UFC President Dana White remarked on the intricacies of fighting Page, acknowledging the challenges faced by any opponent. “You have to be aggressive with Page, but it’s a weird situation to be in because he’s a counter-striker,” White explained. He noted, "I think styles make fights, and MVP is a very tough style to fight," indicating the difficulty Magomedov encountered during the bout.
Shara Magomedov, who entered the fight with significant expectations after climbing the division ranks, expressed disappointment over the result. He later revealed through social media his struggle with health issues leading up to the fight, describing his condition as “nightmarish.” Magomedov stated, "I knew all the risks when stepping in with such a nightmarish health condition and preparation,” reinforcing perceptions of his struggle during the fight. He added, "Thank you to everyone who stands by me; Alhamdulillah."
Page responded to Magomedov's claims about health issues, providing advice on how post-fight comments can be perceived. During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Page said, “Regardless of whether you accept the fight knowing you have had anything [injury related] prior to the fight, then the result is the result,” indicating he believes fighters should refrain from sharing such details after losing. He cautioned, “It just come across wrong, come across as an excuse.”
Despite the swirling controversies surrounding injuries and excuses, Page's victory puts him back on the path to potential title contention. The tactical nature of his win was reflective of his experience, showing not only his confidence but also his ability to frustrate opponents with his unique fighting style.
Looking forward, Page's plans to return to welterweight could reignite discussions about championship pursuits within the division. Meanwhile, Magomedov needs to assess his performance critically, especially concerning his grappling skills. Page noted, "If there were five more seconds, I would have tapped him out by triangle choke...so he’s gonna have to work on [his grappling].”
The debate surrounding each fighter's future possibilities is likely to be hotly discussed leading up to their respective next fights. With reactions swirling from fans and pundits alike, the fight has undoubtedly left its mark on both athletes' careers.
Magomedov's struggle against Page highlights the diverse challenges present within the middleweight division, whereas Page’s resurgence serves as both inspiration and cautionary tale for those aspiring for championship gold. Just how these fighters navigate the consequences of this night remains to be seen.