Michael Page went 5–1 during his six-fight UFC deal, but a post-UFC Paris rankings update has raised questions over whether his time with the promotion has come to an end.
Michael Page’s future with the UFC suddenly looks considerably less certain.
The former Bellator standout is reportedly no longer eligible to appear in the UFC rankings following the completion of his six-fight contract, despite closing out that deal with a victory over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris.
Longtime MMA reporter John Morgan reported Sunday that Page was initially available for consideration by members of the UFC rankings panel following his victory in Paris. Voters were subsequently informed that Page was no longer eligible to be ranked.
The development has immediately fueled speculation that the 39-year-old has reached the end of his UFC run.
There is, however, an important distinction: being removed from rankings eligibility does not itself constitute an official announcement that Page has been released.
As of the information currently available, neither Page nor the UFC has publicly confirmed his departure.
Page Finishes UFC Deal at 5–1
If UFC Paris does prove to be Page’s final appearance inside the Octagon, he would leave with an unusual résumé.
Page entered the UFC in 2024 following a lengthy run with Bellator and ultimately compiled a 5–1 record across six appearances.
His victories came against Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov, Jared Cannonier, Sam Patterson and Nursulton Ruziboev, with his lone defeat coming against Ian Machado Garry.
On paper, 5–1 is hardly the record normally associated with a fighter potentially leaving the UFC.
But Page’s run also came with an unusual statistic for a fighter who built much of his reputation around spectacular finishes: all six of his UFC fights went the distance.
That continued Saturday in Paris.
Page defeated Ruziboev by decision, but sections of the crowd inside Accor Arena voiced their frustration during the fight. It was another reminder of the difficult balance Page’s unconventional style can create.
At his best, “MVP” is one of the most difficult strikers in MMA to solve. His movement, distance management and counterstriking can make opponents hesitant to engage.
The same qualities can also produce fights where neither man is willing to take the risks necessary to create prolonged exchanges.
Page Already Questioned Whether UFC Would Re-Sign Him
Perhaps the most interesting part of the situation is that Page himself appeared aware that wins alone might not guarantee another contract.
Following his victory over Ruziboev, Page acknowledged uncertainty over whether the UFC would offer him another deal.
It was a revealing admission from a fighter who had just completed his contract with five victories from six appearances.
Now, the rankings development adds another layer to that uncertainty.
Page being initially available for ranking consideration before voters were subsequently informed that he was ineligible suggests that something changed regarding his status after UFC Paris.
Exactly what that means remains unclear until the UFC or Page provides confirmation.
What Comes Next for Michael Page?
If Page has indeed reached the end of his UFC tenure, his next move would immediately become one of the more intriguing questions on the international MMA market.
Despite being 39, Page remains a recognizable name with a distinctive fighting style and an extensive career outside the UFC. He spent more than a decade competing under the Bellator banner before finally making the move to the Octagon.
And unlike many veterans who leave the UFC following a difficult stretch, Page would potentially enter free agency having won five of his six UFC fights.
That makes this situation worth watching carefully.
The rankings update is significant, but it is not yet the same thing as an official release.
For now, Michael Page has completed his UFC contract, he is reportedly no longer eligible for the promotion’s rankings, and his next chapter remains unresolved.
For a fighter who spent years trying to reach the UFC, the question now is whether his six-fight run was the end of that pursuit, or merely the beginning of another one.
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