By Jim Edwards

At 29 years old, Michael "Venom" Page already has 10 professional wins under his belt, so it almost feels silly to call "MVP" one of MMA’s most promising up-and-coming stars. But that’s exactly how he describes his career right now.

Putting on a show

Although he's developing a well-rounded MMA game after making the transition from kickboxing, Page's unique fighting style—complete with flashy, hands-down striking and entertaining footwork and mannerisms—has already grabbed the attention of both fans and media.

Page enters the cage not only to fight, but also to put on a show. Adding performance elements typically requires an even greater expenditure of energy and focus, but Page isn't your average fighter. He said his showmanship comes naturally, and when he gets in the cage, it’s like an out-of-body experience he has difficulty recalling.



“I don’t mean this in a cocky way, but when I watch my fights, I impress myself sometimes,” Page said. “It’s hard to put into words, but when people ask me, 'Did you mean to do this?’, I’m always like, ‘Guys, I didn’t mean to do anything.' When I get in there, it’s like I enter the matrix. It’s only when I get back into the changing room afterwards that I ‘come back.' My coaches and family reminisce on the stuff I do in the fight, and I can never remember any of it. I just become this person, and I always find myself thinking, ‘How did I do that like I just did it?’”

One might think that fighting style would put extra pressure on the Londoner every time he performs, but meeting expectations has never been an issue for Page. He's just happy to go in the cage, switch to autopilot, and then enjoy his own performance later that evening when he watches his film.

“It’s just totally natural; it’s part of my character,” Page said. “I’ve always been a showman. I’ve played a lot of sports, and I’ve always had to stand out and be different. When I’m in that zone, something takes over me, and I’m just lost in myself and I just have fun. It’s crazy—people criticize me and say that ‘I put it all on’ and ‘It’s just an act.’ Trust me: I can’t turn it off because I’m not putting it on. It’s just me; it’s happening, and I’m just in the moment.”

An upcoming hometown debut

While his performances quickly built his reputation stateside, not all UK MMA fans are aware of Page's talents. That could change in July when Bellator comes to London for the first time for Bellator 158. For fans debating whether or not to buy a ticket or not to the 02 Arena, Page happily offered some advice.

"I'm not around that often, and I know straight after this I'm heading back to the States for my next fight," Page said. "People have the chance to see what I do. I'm not one of those guys that's all or nothing—the worse I'm going to do is put on a show. I'm going to leave it all in the arena in front of 20,000 people, and I know there are also going to be loads watching on Channel 5. Believe me, I'm just going to go nuts."

Page also made mention of the other Bellator stars joining him on the card that night as a reason to buy a ticket. Paul Daly he said was "always going to entertain," and added James Thompson and Kimbo Slice deserve to be able to end their feud that started six years ago with their first fight.

Building a legacy

Page wasn't only interested in talking about his short-term future. He wants to continue building his legacy in mixed martial arts.

"I want my style to change the way people perceive stand-up combat and what's actually possible," Page said. "People are becoming more creative and the crowds are already becoming more accepting of the fact that I do have my hands down and that is effective. I want to do the same thing with the stand-up game that the Gracies did revolutionizing groundwork and grappling with Jiu-Jitsu. I want to show everyone that this hands-down style does actually work.

"I think you are going to see my kickboxing-style, hands-down approach everywhere. I've actually got a girl I manage who has my style and I think she has the potential to be one of the most dangerous females around. She has the footwork, hand speed and accuracy that I don't see anywhere else in the women's game right now. Trust me, if she was doing what she is doing now against Ronda Rousey, she would destroy her, and I can confidently say that."

Unfortunately, Page wouldn't mention his prodigy by name. He simply laughed and said, "Watch this space, she will be coming out soon."

It was an intriguing and fitting way to end a conversation with a man who always leaves fight fans wanting more from him.