UFC Should Hard Pass on Re-Signing Michael Page
The UFC Paris card that took place on Saturday, September 5, featured eight finishes, including a highlight-reel knockout by French headliner Salahdine Parnasse in the main event.
But while there were some great knockouts, there were also a couple of stinker fights, including a dreadful middleweight bout between Michael Page and Nursulton Ruziboev.
This was an absolutely horrendous fight to watch, as the two men combined for 20 significant strikes in 15 minutes of fighting — 12 by Page, and just eight by Ruziboev.
Page rightfully won a unanimous decision at the end of 15 minutes, as he did slightly more than Ruziboev and deserved to get his hand raised.
But the fans rightfully booed him as the decision was read, and for good reason, as this was a brutal fight to watch.
Now, the question is: will Page’s next fight be in the UFC?
Michael Page is a Free Agent
This fight against Ruziboev was the final bout of Page’s UFC contract.
Since joining the UFC in 2024, Page is 5-1 overall in six fights, which is a great record.
However, all of these fights have gone the distance, and none of them have been exciting to watch.
After the fight with Ruziboev, Page spoke to the media and admitted that the UFC was already upset with him for his boring performances, and things were unlikely to be any different after this absolute stinker.
Given that Page is a 39-year-old point fighter who has now drawn the ire of fight fans, the UFC would be crazy to give him a new contract.
There really isn’t a decision to be made here: the UFC has to pass on offering Page a new contract and let him go.
UFC Paris was an exciting card overall, but Page vs. Ruziboev was, by far, the lowlight on the card.
Related: UFC Paris Predictions for Hooker vs. Parnasse
Unfortunately, Page turned out to be a bust signing by the UFC after coming over from Bellator MMA, where he was a knockout artist for many years.
However, Page was feasting on really low-level opponents in Bellator MMA, and now that he’s in the UFC, he is struggling to find the finish.
Yes, he is winning his UFC fights, but it’s not just about winning when you are in the UFC. It’s about providing entertainment for the fans, and Page isn’t doing that.
That’s why it’s an easy decision to let him go.
Where Will Michael Page Go Next?
Although Page has become awful to watch, there will still be a combat sports promotion out there that offers him a big contract and hopes that he turns back into the knockout artist that he was in Bellator MMA.
If MVP MMA holds a second event, they could sign Page and pair him up against Nate Diaz or Mike Perry.
Scott Coker, who used to promote Page in Bellator MMA, is starting a new mixed martial arts promotion in 2027. He could look to bring in Page to put a name on their first card.
Another option is GFL, which is set to hold its first MMA event this fall. They could use a big name, and Page is one, even if he’s not fun to watch.
Page could also go to another combat sport, such as professional boxing, Karate Combat, or return to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
We’ll see where Page ends up. But the odds of him getting another UFC contract are slim to none.
If Page thought the UFC was upset with him before, then he should see how the promotion feels about him now, after he promised everyone he would open up against Ruizboev.
Yet, once again, he had a low-output bout that left the fans frustrated and yearning for more, and that is going to cost him his job with the UFC.
Related: New French Star Salahdine Parnasse Calls Out Holloway at UFC Paris
This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Other Sports section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.