After years of anticipation, Michael ‘Venom’ Page has finally achieved an unblemished record in the UFC welterweight division.
Formerly a staple in Bellator for over a decade, the British fighter showcased his prowess by outpointing Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in Miami, Florida, this past Saturday night. Displaying his trademark, unconventional style, the ten-time world kickboxing champion bewildered his opponent, a seasoned veteran with 37 fights under his belt.
While Page’s performance was undeniably dominant, it left some spectators wanting as he failed to secure a decisive, fight-ending blow despite consistently outmaneuvering Holland.
Addressing the media, including The Mac Life, in the aftermath of the bout, MVP candidly admitted that his performance didn’t meet his own high standards. “It’s strange because I felt confident from the beginning to the end, but once I got in there… it wasn’t a lack of confidence, but my body just didn’t respond the way I expected,” Page shared with reporters. “I’m not sure what caused it, but it’s a learning experience. It’s the first one. I did what I had to do to win.”
Despite his dissatisfaction, Page asserted his superiority in key exchanges, highlighting his speed and precision. “I felt significantly better than him; I just felt like I could have done more and certainly secured the finish if everything was in sync, but we got the win,” he remarked.
Throughout the 15-minute clash, Holland struggled to find his rhythm, unable to bridge the distance and land effective strikes against Page, a rare scenario for the towering 6-foot-3 fighter with an 81-inch reach in the 170-pound division. Reflecting on the fight, MVP noted Holland’s frustration.
“I could sense his frustration,” he recalled. “From an outsider’s perspective, it’s easy to suggest tactics. But when you’re in there, reality hits. I’m faster than it might appear. People can acknowledge my speed, but experiencing it firsthand when you’re unable to land shots is a different story.”
While Holland thrives in gritty, back-and-forth battles, Page’s preference lies in dominating his opponents. “He’s accustomed to a brawl, deriving energy from it. I, on the other hand, prefer to dictate and dominate,” Page explained. “That’s where my advantage lies, and it proved beneficial for me.”
