PARIS — U.S.-based UFC President Dana White confirmed that Michael Page will not be re-signed by the promotion after his contract ended. The announcement followed Page's unanimous decision victory over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris on Saturday.

White addressed the fighter's status during a press conference, clarifying that the bout in France marked the conclusion of Page's agreement with the organization. "That was his last fight on his contract. I don't think we're signing him, no," White said.

The U.S.-based UFC removed Michael Page from its media rankings eligibility effective immediately following his fight with Nursulton Ruziboev. White noted that the administrative change reflected Page's departure from the active roster. "What's the confusion? I think it's been pretty clear that he wasn't being re-signed and that he would be taken out of the rankings because he's no longer on the roster," he said.

Crowds at the Accor Arena in Paris booed Michael Page during his fight against Nursulton Ruziboev. The 39-year-old fighter secured the win via judges' decision, extending a pattern in his recent UFC tenure. All five of Michael Page's UFC victories were decided by judges' decision. He holds a 5-1 record in the promotion since joining in December 2023 on a six-fight contract.

Page's overall professional MMA record stands at 26 wins and 3 losses. His time in the UFC drew mixed reactions regarding his fighting style and engagement with opponents.

Former U.S.-based UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker commented on Page's approach in a podcast interview. Whittaker acknowledged Page's technical proficiency while expressing reluctance to view his recent performance. "I reckon there isn't a single person that can beat MVP over point-sparring in the UFC. He's so good at it," Whittaker said.

"I'm going to be honest with you, no. No, I can't, because I didn't even want to watch it, and I have nothing but respect for 'MVP.'"

Interest in Page's future extends beyond the U.S.-based UFC, with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship President Dave Feldman expressing openness to signing him. Feldman discussed the potential matchup in an interview with Bloody Elbow, referencing Page's previous appearance in the promotion. Michael Page fought Mike Perry in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022, losing via majority decision.

Why It Matters

The departure of Michael Page from the U.S.-based UFC roster shows the promotion's stance on fighter contracts and ranking eligibility. By removing Page from the media rankings immediately after his final contracted bout, the U.S.-based UFC enforced a policy linking roster status to competitive standing. This action affects how media outlets and fans track fighter progressions outside the active roster.

Page's next destination remains open, with interest expressed by Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The contrasting perspectives on his fighting style, ranging from technical admiration to criticism of entertainment value, frame the debate over his future marketability. His professional record of 26 wins and 3 losses provides a baseline for any new promotional partnership.

What's New

This administrative step was distinct from the contractual non-renewal announcement.

Dave Feldman, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship President, offered details on potential future engagements in an interview with Bloody Elbow. "We would definitely welcome MVP. When he fought for us with Mike Perry, it was a pretty exciting match, and a lot of people actually thought he won that fight," Feldman said.

He noted, "You can't really be boring in BKFC, so it's hard for him to fight that type of fight in BKFC. We would be interested? Yes. I think BKFC will force excitement out of MVP and I think that the fans would love that." Historical records show Michael Page fought Mike Perry in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2022, losing via majority decision.