Michael Page Wants UFC Extension, Asks Promotion for Clear Path to Title Shot
The British fighter says his next bout is the last on his current contract but insists he wants to remain in the promotion and compete for the belt.
Despite having only one fight remaining on his current UFC contract, Michael Page feels he is far from done in the promotion. The British veteran wants to extend his deal with the UFC and make a run at the welterweight title. At 39 years old, Page is expected to step into the Octagon against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night 287, scheduled to take place Sept. 5 in Paris.
Michael Page Wants Contract Extension, Clear Road to Championship
After spending more than a decade competing at the highest level of MMA, Page is still in the early stages of his run with the UFC. "Venom" is already looking beyond a contract extension, hoping to secure bigger fights within the promotion. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Page made it clear that he wants the UFC to understand his goals, and that includes a clear roadmap toward a title shot.
“Yeah (this is the last fight on my contract)," Page began. "[...] I don’t want it to be (my last UFC fight). I just want to push for bigger fights. My goal is to get a belt, and I still feel more than capable. I know I can do it. I would like to get an extension, but get the UFC on the side that I want big names, and a rough idea of how I would get to that belt. Who do I have to fight, what do I have to do. Give me the exact blueprint and then let me go at it.”
MVP Focused Solely on Performance
Although Michael Page is aware a contract extension is not guaranteed and might depend on how he performs in his next fight, the British veteran doesn't seem worried. Instead, Venom wants to put on an impressive performance against Ruziboev so the UFC will have every reason to bring him back.
"I am a fighter first. I don’t wanna get too stressed about the politics and everything. Let me go in there, put on a performance, make them want me to come back and do it again."
A professional MMA fighter since 2012, Page spent almost a decade competing in Bellator, where he challenged for the interim welterweight title. After signing with the UFC at the end of 2023, Venom made his promotional debut against Kevin Holland and won by unanimous decision. Since joining the promotion, Page has compiled a 5-1 record and heads into the final bout of his current contract riding a three-fight winning streak.
For now, however, Page's full attention remains on Ruziboev. A convincing performance in Paris could be exactly what he needs to convince the UFC that he deserves not only a new contract, but also a clearer path toward the welterweight title.
