Michael Page shrugs off UFC exit criticism with social media joke after Dana White declines re-sign

Michael ‘Venom’ Page is taking the internet’s verdict on his UFC career in stride, posting a playful response to criticism days after UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the promotion would not re-sign him following his unanimous decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris.

Rather than addressing the backlash head-on, the 39-year-old Englishman posted a photo of himself appearing to push up a large boulder, captioning it: “Me trying to handle the internet’s opinions.”

Page compiled a 5-1 record across six UFC appearances, but his time in the Octagon was widely considered a disappointment. The former Bellator standout had built a reputation as a highlight-reel knockout artist before joining the UFC, yet he went the distance in all six of his bouts. The majority of those fights drew boos from crowds expecting the flashy, finishing style that had defined his earlier career.

White’s decision not to renew Page’s contract came just two days after the Paris victory, a swift conclusion that underscored the promotion’s assessment of his commercial value despite a winning record.

Page’s next move is unclear, though interest from multiple directions has already surfaced. Bare-Knuckle Boxing Championship president Dave Feldman has publicly expressed a desire to bring Page back to bare-knuckle boxing, a format he competed in prior to his UFC stint. Meanwhile, Jake Paul has floated the idea of signing Page to Most Valuable Promotions, the boxing outfit Paul co-founded.

Whether Page returns to MMA with another promotion, crosses over to bare-knuckle, or enters the boxing world remains to be seen. For now, he appears content to let the memes do the talking.