UFC's Michael Page Weighs Welterweight vs. Middleweight for Title Shot

The British fighter is unsure which division offers the quickest path to UFC gold.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:20am

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UFC fighter Michael "Venom" Page is undecided on whether welterweight or middleweight is the best division for him to pursue a UFC title shot. Page has competed in both weight classes, winning and losing fights in each, and is uncertain which division presents the faster route to a championship opportunity after seeing a higher-ranked middleweight contender recently passed over for a title fight.

Why it matters

Page is one of the most exciting and unorthodox fighters in the UFC, known for his flashy striking style. As he approaches the latter stages of his career, finding the right division to compete in and secure a title shot has become a critical decision for the British star.

The details

Page has fought twice at welterweight in the UFC, splitting a pair of unanimous decision results. He then moved up to middleweight, winning his last two fights in that division via unanimous decision. However, Page was surprised to see Nassourdine Imavov, a higher-ranked middleweight contender, get passed over for a title shot against Khamzat Chimaev in favor of Sean Strickland. This has made Page unsure if middleweight or welterweight offers the quickest path to UFC gold.

  • Page made his UFC welterweight debut in 2024.
  • Page moved up to middleweight in 2025 and has won his last two fights in that division.
  • Page is scheduled to return to welterweight to face Sam Patterson at UFC Fight Night 270.

The players

Michael "Venom" Page

A British UFC fighter known for his unorthodox and flashy striking style, as he looks to secure a title shot in either the welterweight or middleweight division.

Nassourdine Imavov

A higher-ranked middleweight contender who was recently passed over for a title shot against Khamzat Chimaev.

Sean Strickland

The middleweight fighter who was given the title shot against Khamzat Chimaev instead of the higher-ranked Imavov.

Khamzat Chimaev

The UFC middleweight champion who will be defending his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328.

Sam Patterson

The welterweight fighter that Michael Page is scheduled to face at UFC Fight Night 270.

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What they’re saying

“It's so difficult to tell. I only just found out today, and I didn't realize that Strickland got given a middleweight fight to get the title against Khamzat. Now, for me, he should have never got that fight. It should be Imavov, who I think most people would say he was kind of the obvious next one in line. With that said, you kind of don't know.”

— Michael "Venom" Page, UFC Fighter

What’s next

Page will face Sam Patterson in a welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night 270 as he continues to evaluate which division offers the fastest path to a UFC title shot.

The takeaway

Michael Page's uncertainty over whether welterweight or middleweight is the best division for him to pursue a UFC title shot highlights the unpredictable nature of title contention in the modern UFC landscape, where rankings and perceived pecking orders don't always translate to title fight opportunities.