Adesanya questions UFC’s decision on Michael Page

Adesanya believes Page deserved another chance in the UFC

UFC Hall of Famer Israel Adesanya has questioned the UFC’s decision to part ways with Michael Page.

Michael Page had a strong UFC record of 5-1, but did not receive a new contract after his current one expired. His last fight was against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris and ended in a rather unspectacular decision victory. Since most of his other bouts also went the full distance and featured little action, Israel Adesanya can understand the decision, but still believes he deserved one more chance.

“The UFC is a different business. They, the brass themselves, go on a case-by-case basis. They’re human beings, man. I’ve had my dealings with my managers in the UFC, and I’ve heard stories of how they get deals done, you know? I’m sure there’s a lot of bodies buried in the desert. But with Michael ‘Venom’ Page, I felt like they got it wrong on that one because he only lost to Ian Garry, who just went toe to toe with the pound-for-pound No. 1, Islam (Makhachev)”

he said.

He also mentioned that Michael Page is a rather unpleasant fighter and that many opponents therefore adopt a very passive stance against him. At the same time, however, he also makes it clear that he knows Michael Page was clearly more exciting and active in the Octagon during his time with his former promotion. There, Michael Page regularly delivered wild knockouts and memorable performances. Israel Adesanya therefore believes the UFC could have easily given him a little more time to get back into that form.

“You have to let people cook, give them time. Like, Michael, yeah, I understand he was a big investment from Bellator. He’s getting paid well, and he’s delivering, I think, because he’s winning. But maybe they weren’t seeing what they were seeing in Bellator, and they were hoping for that kind of excitement”

he said.

Ultimately, it’s a shame, but Michael Page probably won’t get this chance anymore. What do you think of Israel Adesanya’s opinion?

I think it’s very understandable, and I think it’s good that he’s talking about it. To be honest, I see it exactly the same way, since I can understand both sides of the UFC. However, they could have given him another two or three fights.