Michael ‘Venom’ Page will test the free agent market after his contract with Bellator expired.
Page made a statement in his Bellator debut by securing a 10-second knockout in 2013. Since then, the Westminster native has solidified himself as one of the biggest superstars in the promotions by establishing a legendary highlight reel.
The 36-year-old could now be taking his talents to another combat sports promotion. During an interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, ‘Venom’ announced his free agency status by saying:
“I’m officially a free agent, no longer with Bellator for the moment.”
He continued by explaining why he’s excited to negotiate with several promotions:
“I think it’s time for me to just explore what else is out there. It doesn’t mean I’m not going to go back with Bellator. It just means I want to see what other people think of MVP, how other people value MVP.”
Page has fought under the Bellator banner nineteen times, leading to a promotional record of 17-2. After losing a welterweight title fight in May 2022, ‘Venom’ bounced back on March 10 by securing a 26-second finish against Goiti Yamauchi. Although he’s older than the average free agent, the unpredictable striker offers significant value to any promotion interested.
One and done for MVP! @BellatorMMA @Michaelpage247#Bellator292’s Main Card is LIVE on @Showtime! pic.twitter.com/uB9CjciZQX
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) March 11, 2023
Michael ‘Venom’ Page reveals Bellator forgot his contract expired, potentially because of company sale rumors
Michael ‘Venom’ Page didn’t expect to become a free agent. Shortly after his last bout against Goiti Yamauchi, Page was preparing for what’s next when his management team discovered their contract had expired with one fight left.
During the same interview on The MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani asked ‘MVP’ if he believes Bellator officials were too busy with the rumored sale of the company. Page responded by saying:
“[Bellator is] normally a lot sharper on that, and even usually when you’ve still got a few fights left, they’re already talking about what the progression is. I think there’s a lot going on in the back office with their potential transition as well, and new owners, and so on and so forth.”
He continued:
“So yeah, I definitely feel like they kind of missed something there. I think things happen for a reason in my opinion. I think it all happened for me to be able to have this space now and to make this decision, to actually say to myself, ‘OK, cool, let me explore the waters in the MMA ocean and see what bites.”
There is no doubt that several promotions will be interested in signing ‘MVP.’ The question is, does he want to leave Bellator, or is this a smart strategy to gain leverage and make more money? Only time will tell where th3 36-year-old will fight next.
