Michael Page eyes ‘big name’ welterweight title fight after facing ‘dangerous’ Sam Patterson at UFC London
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Michael Page has set his sights on major title opportunities as he prepares for a highly anticipated welterweight showdown with fellow Brit Sam Patterson at UFC London on March 21.
The 38-year-old, widely known as “MVP”, spoke about his ambitions ahead of the bout at the iconic The O2 Arena, where he will fight in front of a home crowd for the first time since joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Page Eyes Big Fights and Title Opportunities
Page made it clear that while he enjoys competing in the UFC, his ultimate goal is to secure high-profile fights that could lead to a title shot.
“I just want big-name fights,” Page explained. “I want people to look at the matchup and say, ‘wow, that’s a huge fight.’ Those are the kinds of moments that excite me and push me to perform at my best.”
The London-born fighter believes that major bouts have the potential to create memorable moments for fans worldwide. While he insists his love for fighting remains unchanged, he admitted that the added excitement of title contention is something he is actively pursuing.
Respect for Rising Opponent Sam Patterson
Despite his experience advantage, Page acknowledged the threat posed by Patterson, who is nine years younger and currently enjoying strong momentum in the welterweight division. Patterson enters the fight on a four-bout winning streak and is widely seen as one of the rising names in the weight class. Page believes that ambition makes his opponent particularly dangerous.
“He’s young and hungry,” Page said. “He knows that beating a name like mine could push him into the rankings and into the spotlight. That kind of motivation makes a fighter very dangerous.” The veteran added that he approaches every opponent with the mindset that they are the best in the world. “That’s how I prepare,” he said. “If I treat every opponent like a champion, it forces me to train at the highest level.”
Welterweight Division Remains Page’s Target
While some fighters move between divisions to chase opportunities, Page confirmed he intends to remain in the welterweight class. “Welterweight is where I want to be,” he stated. “There’s a lot happening in the division right now, and it might seem a bit crowded, but that’s where I want to compete.”
Fighting at Home Brings Unique Energy
Competing at the O2 Arena also carries special meaning for Page, who views the event as a full-circle moment in his career. He admitted that fighting at home comes with both advantages and challenges. The support of friends, family and local fans provides a huge boost, but the attention surrounding a hometown fight can also bring distractions.
“The energy from the crowd is amazing and gives me extra motivation,” Page said. “The only downside is everyone asking me about tickets. But aside from that, I love fighting at home.” The clash between Page and Patterson is expected to be one of the standout fights on the UFC London card, with both fighters aiming to make a statement in the competitive welterweight division.
