Michael "Venom" Page calls on MMA fighters to form a union over pay

Michael "Venom" Page has called on MMA fighters to band together and form a union, arguing that athletes need collective power to push for better pay.

Page believes fighters should stand together to gain more leverage when negotiating contracts and demanding improved compensation. His comments came via BBC Sport.

The 39-year-old Englishman is described as a former UFC welterweight, though his recent results show him active in the promotion. Page, 26-3-0, fights out of London Shootfighters and holds a switch stance. His most recent recorded fight was a unanimous decision win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night: Hooker vs. Parnasse on September 5, 2026.

That victory extended a run of three straight recorded wins, all by unanimous decision. Before Ruziboev, Page beat Sam Patterson at UFC Fight Night: Evloev vs. Murphy on March 21, 2026, and earlier took a decision over Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025.

A veteran voice on fighter pay

Page's profile adds weight to the message. At six-foot-three with a 79-inch reach, he is known as a rangy striker, landing 2.04 significant strikes per minute with 56 percent accuracy. He has spent his career as a headline name, and his call for collective action comes while he is still competing at a high level.

Fighter compensation has long been a point of debate in MMA, where competitors are typically classed as independent contractors and negotiate individually. Page's argument centres on the idea that a united front would shift that balance.

Why it matters

• A union push from an active, well-known fighter could add momentum to long-running discussions about pay and contract terms.
• Page's recent winning form keeps him in the spotlight, which may amplify the reach of his comments.
• The call is so far a statement of opinion rather than a formal organising effort, and no concrete plan has been outlined.

Whether other fighters publicly back Page's call remains to be seen.