As Michael 'Venom' Page ponders the next chapter of his career, a contagious smile spreads across his face.
During his 12 years as a professional mixed martial artist, Page, the Britten nicknamed MVP, has built a reputation in Bellator as one of the most unique and exciting fighters to grace the sport.
From his flashy, eye-catching kickboxing style to his precise ring walk and taunting his opponents, Page's 21-win career in 23 fights has produced many memorable moments.
But from the day the Londoner decided to switch from kickboxing to MMA, there's one goal he hasn't achieved. That is to compete in the UFC.
After signing with the promotion in December, the 36-year-old will make his debut on Saturday against Kevin Holland in a welterweight bout at UFC 299 in Miami, Florida.
“If I got it back, that was my original goal,” Page told BBC Sport.
“When I became interested in mixed martial arts, my inspiration came from watching people like: [former UFC light-heavyweight champion] Liddell and the UFC as a brand.
“When I arrived at Bellator, my journey took a detour. Even though it was a big show, the goal was still the UFC.”
Page said he had offers from multiple fight promotions before signing with the UFC.
“I think it's great to be able to do that when you're in a position where you're required to do it, and it's a testament to all the hard work I've put in over the years that a lot of organizations have chosen to hire me for the job. 'It shows that I'm passionate about it,' because they see the value and they can see what I bring to the table,' Page said.
“At that moment, I decided, 'Okay, yeah, this is it.' [the UFC] is 100% what I want to do,” and the excitement begins.
Page has yet to win a world title, losing to Logan Storey in a Bellator interim welterweight title fight in May 2022.
But Page says his career and his run in the UFC won't be defined by championships.
“Everyone chases the shiny things and wants titles and things like that, but I’m a legacy guy,” Page said.
“I don't like to follow the crowd and I feel that's why I fight the way I fight. So my legacy may not be a traditional legacy, my legacy is purely my It's based on the style he brought to the UFC, and may just be a mixture of martial arts in general.
“There are more young people and people who have my style, and I feel like I’ve been able to convey that to some extent.
“And I want to bring that to more people and show that with the branding that the UFC has and marketing to such a wide audience, we can do what I’ve done for the masses.” I know there is.”
