Three Fights Michael 'Venom' Page Should Take Next

Michael "Venom" Page's departure from the UFC leaves one of MMA's most unique strikers at a crossroads. The karate stylist went 2-2 in the Octagon, his highlight-reel techniques offset by conservative gameplans from opponents who refused to engage. At 37, Page still has the reflexes and showmanship to headline cards — he just needs opponents willing to meet him in open space. Here are three fights that make sense, ranked by upside.

1. Paul Daley (Bellator Grudge Match)
If Bellator brings Page back, the obvious payday sits across from him: Paul Daley, the British knockout artist he's somehow never faced despite years in the same promotion. Daley retired in 2022 but has hinted at selective comebacks, and a UK stadium grudge match with Page would sell itself. Stylistically, it's fire — Daley pressures with power punches, exactly the type of aggression that lets Page exploit angles and land spinning attacks. The narrative writes itself: two Brits who built Bellator's international brand, one final collision before the sport moves on.

2. Cedric Doumbe (PFL Striker Clash)
If Page lands in the PFL's 2026 welterweight tournament, Cedric Doumbe is the dream quarterfinal. The French kickboxing champion made his MMA debut in 2022 and has steamrolled opposition with crisp combinations and fearless pocket exchanges. Both fighters rely on distance management and timing rather than wrestling — meaning this stays standing, and someone's getting knocked out. Doumbe's pressure-heavy style would force Page to either counter brilliantly or wilt under volume, the exact test that's eluded him since leaving Bellator. For PFL, it's must-see matchmaking.

3. Rory MacDonald (Legacy Rehabilitation)
MacDonald's own career has stalled since his Bellator title run, but he remains a credible name at 170 pounds. A Page-MacDonald fight wouldn't move either man into title contention, but it would give Page a chance to prove he can handle a well-rounded grappler with a smart gameplan — the blueprint that troubled him in the UFC. If Page can stuff takedowns and piece up MacDonald on the feet, it resets the narrative that he only thrives against reckless brawlers. If MacDonald grinds him out, it confirms the scouting report. Either way, it's a measuring-stick bout with a former UFC title challenger on the other side.

The common thread: Page needs opponents who either bring name value or stylistic risk. Bellator's roster offers the grudge match. PFL's tournament format offers the striker showcase. MacDonald offers the proof-of-concept. Any of these three would beat another decision loss to a wrestle-heavy UFC gatekeeper, which is exactly what Page is escaping.