Michael Page blasts UFC pay after Conor Benn deal

Michael Page has gone public with sharp criticism of UFC fighter pay, taking aim at the promotion's compensation structure following reports that boxer Conor Benn signed a one-fight Zuffa Boxing deal worth at least $15 million.

Page, who fights under the nickname "Venom," voiced his frustration in a recent interview, saying he was troubled by how readily Dana White moved to pay a boxer that sum while long-serving UFC athletes have earned far less. He framed the disparity as a sign of disrespect toward MMA fighters who have dedicated years of their careers to the promotion.

The comments carry weight coming from a fighter of Page's standing. The 39-year-old Englishman, who trains out of London Shootfighters, holds a career record of 25-3-0 and is currently ranked 12th in the UFC's welterweight division. Standing six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, Page is one of the more physically imposing and technically distinctive welterweights on the roster. He lands 2.28 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent, numbers that reflect the precise, unorthodox kickboxing style that has made him a fan favorite since his arrival in the promotion.

Why it matters

• Page's public criticism intensifies existing pressure on the UFC over fighter pay, a debate that has simmered for years across the sport
• At 39 and ranked 12th at welterweight, Page is at a stage in his career where contract value and long-term security carry particular urgency
• The Benn situation hands fighters a concrete, high-profile dollar figure to point to when arguing they are undercompensated relative to combat sports peers
• Page's comments raise questions about his own commitment to staying with the UFC when his current deal expires