Unleashing Explosive Energy: Inside the World of MMA's Rising Star, Michael 'Venom' Page

Michael Page stands still, staring straight at the camera, amidst the chaos of the room. He calmly extends his arms wide, never breaking eye contact with the camera.

As he is finally pulled away, he cheekily sticks out his tongue at the camera operator and lets out a victorious scream.

Page made a splash in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world with his explosive tornado kick, winning by technical knockout on his professional debut. The move reminded many of the legendary Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Anderson Silva.

The video of Page's impressive debut quickly went viral on social media and YouTube, instantly propelling him into the spotlight within the MMA community, despite it being his first fight.

Twelve years later, the fighter from London is finally set to make his UFC debut against Kevin Holland on March 9 at UFC 299.

At 36 years old, Page is known as one of MMA's more controversial figures because of his distinct fighting style and the flair he adds to his matches. He likes to describe his fights as the "full package deal."

"When you come to watch my fights, it's not just about what goes down in the ring. It's about the anticipation leading up to the fight, the walk to the ring, and the post-fight celebration, which is something I'm famous for," Page shared with CNN Sport.

"My fighting style is a reflection of who I am. It's influenced by a few factors. The vibrant Caribbean culture plays a big role. I enjoy dancing, smiling, and being outgoing."

Page is hoping a UFC welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards could happen in the future.

Page is hoping a UFC welterweight title fight against Leon Edwards could happen in the future.

Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images

A family affair

Both of his parents were practitioners of Lau Gar kung fu before transitioning to freestyle kickboxing. In addition, he had aunts, uncles, and siblings who were also involved in competitive fighting. According to him, his parents were the primary motivators behind his decision to pursue martial arts.

He fondly recalls that even today, if he were to take you to his mother's house, you would find trophies on display that belong to her, not him. He emphasizes that his family has a deep-rooted connection to martial arts and was brought up with a strong influence from the discipline.

He cherishes the bus rides to and from competitions, where he and his family would create songs and sing together as they traveled.

Page acknowledges that he faced many defeats in the early days of his career, but the friendships, stories, and camaraderie he experienced along the way helped him overcome the challenges he faced in the ring.

Page stuck with competitive fighting while some of his family members moved on to other pursuits. He started with kickboxing, learning the ropes and toughening up along the way.

As time went on, Page made the transition to mixed martial arts. The limited earnings in kickboxing influenced his decision, but his thirst for new skills also played a significant role in choosing MMA.

Page mentioned that he would need to learn jujitsu, wrestling, and other additional skills because each fighting style is unique. Initially, he planned on relocating to Miami for training, but a spontaneous visit to London Shootfighters made him change his mind.

London Shootfighters is known for consistently producing high-level combat sports athletes, and Page knew right away that it was the perfect fit for him.

"When I was young, I learned to recognize good teaching. Whether it's in a football club or elsewhere, I can always tell when a coach is knowledgeable and skilled. When I arrived at London Shootfighters, I could see that the trainers there really know their stuff," Page said about the gym's reputation for developing top competitors.

“I fell in love with it. Fell in love with the coaches, their knowledge, how intense they were because I was really game to go and be the best.”

‘Showman’

Page's MMA fighting style is a unique blend of kickboxing and elements from other disciplines, resulting in his unorthodox technique.

In contrast to his opponents, Page prefers to keep his arms down by his side during fights, focusing on maintaining distance and delivering powerful strikes from a distance.

He describes his unique style as similar to the Looney Tunes’ ‘Tasmanian Devil’ or the video game character ‘Crash Bandicoot.’

He explains that his performances are full of unexpected and crazy moments, making them visually entertaining. He likes to stand out by doing things in a completely different and unconventional way.

Page takes on Logan Storley in 2022.

Page takes on Logan Storley in 2022.

Page describes himself as a "showman." During fights, he can be observed taunting his opponents, moving his shoulders in a dance-like manner, and always fighting with a big smile on his face.

Page has watched some of his dad's old fights and he sees that same showman streak in his father as well.

His flamboyant persona is a nod to his childhood on the road and his Caribbean heritage.

He is so committed to his flashy image that he would watch Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson's performances in WWE, taking notes on how he delivered his lines, and saving them for future use to help build his own brand.

Page’s flashy style in the MMA ring is reflected in his nickname ‘Venom,’ highlighting the power behind his punches, even though he is not physically imposing.

When he delivered a knockout blow with a flying knee to Evangelista Santos in 2016, Page solidified his moniker as Michael ‘Venom’ Page, often shortened to ‘MVP.’

Polarizing

However, Page’s distinctive style isn’t for all in the fighting community. While some praise its flair, others have critiqued its effectiveness and longevity.

Page has been criticized for his nonchalant attitude and flashy gestures that appear to provoke his opponents.

His fluid and almost dance-like movements in the ring can sometimes clash with the precise and calculated styles of his rivals.

"When I express myself in that way, I feel most comfortable," Page shares. "It can be challenging to feel comfortable when someone is throwing punches and kicks, trying to choke you out, and saying you're at ease in front of them. That's why I do whatever I can to stay relaxed."

Page has taken inspiration from 'The Rock' when it comes to building his 'MVP' brand.

Page has taken inspiration from 'The Rock' when it comes to building his 'MVP' brand.

Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire/AP

I love dancing. It's like I can hear music in my head, but the crowd is my music. It keeps me calm and relaxed. Being calm in a high-intensity situation like fighting allows you to see things more clearly, rather than getting caught up in the energy around you.

He used to be bothered by the negative comments he received, especially after his debut fight where 98% of the chatter was negative. However, he has now learned to appreciate the fact that people are talking about him.

More people talking about it is a positive thing because it shows there is a conversation to be had. According to Page, if everyone agrees on something, then there isn't really much to talk about.

Page climbed the ranks in Bellator's welterweight division, showcasing his skills in the ring. He recently made the move to the UFC after leaving the championship last year, and will be making his welterweight debut against Holland in Miami.

Despite the intense training leading up to his fight with Holland, Page admits that it has been quite challenging. He emphasizes that he will stick to what has proven successful for him in the past.

He will be joining a division where the current titleholder is his fellow Briton, Leon Edwards.

Even though it is still far in the future, Page dreams of a potential title fight between two British fighters in the UK.

"Sometimes, I do take a moment to glance at the outside world and everyone watching," Page mentioned. "It's quite a unique situation, with two UK fighters competing for a UFC title."

"Win or lose, the championship belt will remain in the UK, which is fantastic for our country. I believe that both my opponent and I have the potential to draw a large crowd and create a lot of excitement for this fight. It could even take place in a stadium, which is something I would be thrilled to experience."

Michael ‘Venom’ Page will be facing Kevin Holland on March 9, 2024, in a live match airing on TNT Sports during UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2. TNT Sports, previously known as Turner Sports and briefly as Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) and also the owner of CNN.

Editor's P/S:

Michael "Venom" Page's journey in the world of mixed martial arts is a testament to his unique fighting style and charismatic persona. His explosive tornado kick in his professional debut brought him instant recognition, and his unorthodox technique and showmanship have made him a polarizing figure in the sport. Despite facing criticism for his flashy gestures and perceived lack of effectiveness, Page remains confident in his approach. He believes that his style keeps him relaxed and allows him to see things more clearly in high-intensity situations.

Page's move to the UFC after leaving Bellator is a significant step in his career. His welterweight debut against Kevin Holland will be a challenge, but Page is determined to stick to what has worked for him in the past. His dream of a potential title fight against Leon Edwards in the UK is a testament to his ambition and belief in his abilities. Page's journey is an inspiration to those who dare to be different and unapologetically embrace their individuality.