Should the UFC Re-Sign Michael Page?
Michael Page is now out of contract with the UFC, riding a four-fight winning run, but all evidence suggests he won't be re-signed, we look at why.
Michael Page is, without a doubt, one of the more talented fighters to have featured in the UFC in recent years. His in-and-out karate style wowed fans in his Bellator days, especially when he scored big, walk-off knockouts in a devastating, eye-catching fashion.
The 39-year-old Brit signed for the UFC, and fans were excited at the prospect of having one of the most dynamic, highlight-reel knockout artists on the roster to mix it with the best in the world. In reality, his career hasn't played out how many thought and hoped it would.
He's gone 5-1 in the UFC, only losing to Ian Machado Garry, who has just fought for the belt. He's moved between welterweight and middleweight, with three fights in each division and has picked up wins over some big, well-respected names.
MVP is far from a fan favourite, however. In recent fights, fans can be heard booing Page loudly, and online backlash has seen fans turn on Page rapidly. His output is pitiful; he's risk-averse, not willing to put himself into risky positions and ultimately fights safe.
Usually, fans would simply put this down to a style issue. The key problem with Page is that fans expected so much. He's shown that he's capable of greatness. Capable of turning on style and amazing fans with flash strikes that finish opponents. He's landed flying knee knockouts, blown out opponents' knees with leg kicks and countered with lethal accuracy to get the finish, but in the UFC, he's shown none of this.
Future Promises Without Evidence
Page has promised a change in style: "My output needs to change. I might have to doctor my style a little bit, maybe adapt it so people feel more comfortable coming forward. I gotta go back to the drawing board".
This could certainly lead to more entertaining fights, but it's also worth noting that it takes two to tango. When Page faced Sam Patterson, Patterson threw just 78 total strikes, only 17 more than Page. Last night against Nursulton Ruziboev, the Uzbekistan native threw only 42 strikes, 24 fewer than Page. Yes, Page could be the aggressor, but that's never been his style.
Evidence suggests that a drastic change in output is needed for Page to become a 'fun' fighter to watch. In his six UFC fights thus far, he's landed just 173 significant strikes. When we break that down, it's, on average, 28.8 significant strikes per fight and only 9.6 per round.
What to do Next?
What should the UFC do with Michael Page next? Sign him on a one-fight deal. Match him wth Gregory Rodrigues, a man who won't take a single step backwards. If he changes his style and entertains fans, go back into the MVP business. If nothing changes, it's curtains for the MVP experiment in the UFC.
