After nine years with Bellator, Michael Page announced Monday that his contract has expired and he will delve into free agency.
His next move is uncertain, but Page said Bellator has a matching clause should he choose to go a different MMA route.
“I want to see where my value is at,” Page said during an interview on “The MMA Hour.” I want to see my worth. It doesn’t mean the journey has stopped here. It just means I’m having another look.”
Page, 36, said his contract expired after parties couldn’t find a fight that worked for everyone in recent months. Page didn’t rule out a return to Bellator, though he voiced interest in seeing what other options are out there. He also revealed plans to attend UFC Fight Night 224 on Saturday in London.
“MVP” made his promotional debut at Bellator 120 in May 2014. From his early days on the MMA scene, Page accumulated a large fan base for his unusual fighting style and flashy finishes.
He competed 19 times for Bellator, with his only losses in title fights. Key victories included Douglas Lima, Paul Daley, Derek Anderson, and David Rickels. He most recently competed at Bellator 292 in March when he added a fast and gruesome leg-kick finish of Goiti Yamauchi to his highlight reel.
Page said the sense of uncertainty he felt from Bellator and its potential impending sale or partnership played into his decision.
“They’re normally a lot sharper on that end,” Page said. “Usually when you still have a few fights left, they’re already talking about what the progression is. So I think there’s a lot going on in the back office with their potential transition, as well, and new owners and so forth. I definitely feel like they kind of missed something there.”
Page has said in past interviews during his Bellator tenure that he planned on one day fighting for the UFC – something he indicated still interests him now.
Another potential option is boxing. During his Bellator tenure, the promotion allowed Page to compete in boxing, both of the traditional and bareknuckle variations. In August 2020, Page competed in a crossover bout at BKFC 27, a main event loss to former UFC fighter Mike Perry.