Jake Paul targets free-agent Michael Page for Most Valuable Promotions after UFC release

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is a free agent after the UFC declined to renew his contract following a unanimous-decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris on 5 September. Despite finishing his six-fight deal with a 5-1 record, the promotion opted not to retain the Englishman, citing his failure to record a single finish during his time in the Octagon.

Jake Paul, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, moved quickly to signal his interest. ‘Think it’s time to bring MVP to MVP,’ the boxer wrote on X, playing on Page’s ‘Venom’ nickname and his promotion’s initials.

Page’s UFC tenure was marked by a persistent tension between his highlight-reel striking ability and a lack of follow-through. Fans and the promotion alike grew frustrated with his tendency to disengage after brief moments of success on the feet, and his final bout against Ruziboev was widely criticised as another flat decision win. His sole defeat came against the most recent welterweight title challenger, underlining the quality of opposition he faced even as the finishes failed to materialise.

Page himself has acknowledged the frustration. He has spoken publicly about his inability to convert dominant moments into stoppages inside the Octagon, a problem that ultimately cost him his place on the roster.

With his UFC contract now fulfilled, Page has drawn interest from multiple directions. Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship president Dave Feldman has also expressed a desire to sign him, giving the 37-year-old meaningful options as he weighs his next move.

MVP’s pursuit of Page fits a broader strategic push. The promotion is looking to strengthen its roster in the wake of its merger with the Professional Fighters League, and Page’s striking pedigree and name recognition would add a marketable commodity to its welterweight division.