Michael Page and Shlemenko swap striking for wrestling at RAF 14 in Las Vegas

Michael Page and Alexander Shlemenko, two of Bellator MMA’s most celebrated strikers, will trade their knockout instincts for the wrestling mat when they meet at RAF 14 on October 3 in Las Vegas. The promotion confirmed the matchup on Wednesday, marking the RAF debut for both fighters.

Page, widely known as “MVP”, built his reputation on a 17-2 run in Bellator that featured a string of highlight-reel knockouts and a challenge for the interim welterweight title. He has since moved to the UFC, where he holds a 4-1 record since joining the promotion in 2025. His most recent outing was a points victory over Sam Patterson at UFC London in March, and he is already booked for UFC Paris on September 5 — making the RAF appearance a notable detour before that assignment.

Shlemenko brings an equally striking-heavy résumé to the mats. The 42-year-old Russian has recorded 36 knockouts across an 89-fight career and was a dominant force in Bellator’s middleweight division, winning the title in 2013 and defending it three consecutive times. He is no stranger to grappling — 13 of his victories have come by submission — but a dedicated wrestling format represents genuinely new territory for both men.

The contrast between their MMA identities and the wrestling format gives the bout an unusual appeal. Neither Page nor Shlemenko has built a career on takedowns or mat control, which makes their willingness to compete outside their comfort zones the central story of the matchup.

RAF 14 is headlined by UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan against Dillon Danis.