Dana White has confirmed that Michael Page has fought his last fight under his UFC contract and will not be re-signed, with the promotion removing him from its roster and rankings. Page posted a response to White's remarks. The development is part of a broader pattern in which the UFC has cut fighters with strong records — including Martin Buday (7-1), Rinat Fakhretdinov (6-0-1), Daniyel Marcos (5-1-1 NC), Jailton Almeida (8-3), and Javid Basharat (4-2-1 NC) — apparently for failing to deliver exciting enough performances.
Dana White confirmed on September 9, 2026, that welterweight Michael Page has fought his final bout under his UFC contract and will not be brought back, with the promotion already removing him from its active roster and rankings. Page responded publicly to White's remarks, though the nature of his statement was not elaborated upon by the promotion.
Page's exit is notable given his profile in the division. Known for his flashy, creative striking style, "Venom" built a significant following during his years in Bellator before joining the UFC, and his departure marks the end of a chapter the promotion apparently chose not to continue.
Why it matters
- Page's release signals the UFC is willing to move on from recognizable names if their performances are deemed insufficiently entertaining.
- His removal from the rankings creates movement in the welterweight division.
- The cut is part of a broader wave of roster decisions that appear to prioritize finish rate and fan engagement over win-loss records alone.
White's decision is not an isolated one. The UFC simultaneously parted ways with a group of fighters who had compiled strong records inside the organization. Among them was Jailton Almeida, the 35-year-old Brazilian heavyweight and light heavyweight who carries a 22-5 overall record and an elite grappling profile — averaging 5.64 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 62 percent. Also cut was Martin Buday, a six-foot-four Slovakian heavyweight standing 34 years old with a 16-2 record, who lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute. Rinat Fakhretdinov, the 34-year-old Russian welterweight nicknamed "Gladiator" who trains out of American Top Team, posted a 24-1-1 career mark and averaged over five significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy.
The pattern across these releases suggests the UFC is applying an entertainment standard that records alone cannot satisfy — a message the organization is sending loudly through the volume and profile of the names involved.
