Michael ‘Venom’ Page is set to face Mike Perry at BKFC 27. Coming off an interim title loss to Logan Storley at Bellator 281, Page is set to venture into a new sport before returning to the octagon in Bellator. He was riding a six-fight win streak before the loss and rebuked the judges for their scoring. The unorthodox striker was not able to put on his best performance as he lost his belt to Storley last month. Now, he’s set to return to London for another fight but under different rules.
Michael Venom Page vs. Mike Perry set for BKFC 27
Page will be marking his first outing in bare-knuckle boxing. The former Bellator interim welterweight title holder will be taking on the UFC veteran Mike Perry this August 20 in his hometown of London under BKFC. The current second-ranked welterweight in Bellator has not been let go by the promotion but is being allowed an exception to compete under a different one. BKFC 27 will be the debut for Page in bare-knuckle fighting while Perry has competed and won in one contest.
MVP vs. Mike Perry is going down on BKFC 27 on Aug. 20 in London.
MVP is still with Bellator. One fight deal. Got Bellator’s blessing to take this opp. pic.twitter.com/3NaDzyEqrK
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 9, 2022
“MVP vs. Mike Perry is going down on BKFC 27 on Aug. 20 in London. MVP is still with Bellator. One fight deal. Got Bellator’s blessing to take this opp.”
Page’s decision to compete without gloves might surprise many considering the higher risk he’ll be taking. The 35-year-old Englishman displayed impressive performances under Bellator. He doesn’t appear to be doing this out of need or a lack of choices but a desire to.
MVP will remain with Bellator
Cross-promotion is rarely seen in the sport of mixed martial arts, especially at the highest level. UFC is notorious for not collaborating with other brands and placing tight restrictions on their fighters who may even attempt it. Dana White has spoken in the past about his distaste for working with other promotions following a failed partnership with Pride FC. Bellator President Scott Coker does not seem to agree with White on the issue.
Coker gave his blessings to Page to compete under a different banner and yet remain with Bellator. ‘Venom’ will return to MMA after the sole fight as per the agreement.
It will be entertaining to see the two pair up inside the ring considering the strong personalities they have. MVP is infamously known for his brash celebrations that have seen him throw out a Pokeball at his opponent after a win.
