Adesanya Defends Page After UFC Release

Israel Adesanya believes the UFC erred in releasing Michael 'Venom' Page after his six-fight contract expired.

Page completed his UFC tenure with a 5-1 record but was removed from the welterweight rankings immediately following his most recent decision victory, per MMA Mania. UFC CEO Dana White indicated the promotion would not renew his contract, citing low output despite the winning record.

Adesanya addressed the situation on the Precision Podcast, saying the promotion misjudged Page's value. "I've had my dealings with my managers in the UFC, and I've heard stories of how they get deals done," he said. "But with Michael 'Venom' Page, I felt like they got it wrong on that one."

The former middleweight champion acknowledged similarities to his own UFC experience, where passive opponents forced cautious fights. "I've been in fights where I just know this guy just doesn't want to attack me," Adesanya explained. "You have to let people cook, give them time."

Adesanya suggested the promotion expected Page to replicate his Bellator highlight reel knockouts but grew impatient when the welterweight prioritized winning over spectacle. "He's getting paid well, and he's delivering, I think, because he's winning," he said. "But maybe they weren't seeing what they were seeing in Bellator."

Page enters free agency with multiple promotions expected to pursue the 39-year-old welterweight. His next move could come as soon as early 2027.