Michael ‘Venom’ Page admits UFC London walkout was a direct jab at the promotion after recent criticism

UFC star Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s unique walkout music choice at UFC London had a hidden meaning after his recent criticism of the promotion.

It turns out Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s ongoing frustrations with the UFC carried over to his pre-fight walkout at UFC London last Saturday night.

Page and former training partner Sam Patterson squared off in a welterweight bout on the UFC London main card. While the fight proposed an intriguing stylistic matchup on paper, the bout barely had any action associated with it, as Page walked away with a lackluster decision win.

Ahead of UFC London, Page didn’t shy away from making his recent frustrations with matchmaking and lack of consistent activity known publicly. After boxing star Conor Benn got a lucrative eight-figure deal under Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, Page and other stars have questioned the UFC’s fighter pay structure in recent weeks.

Page is known for his creativity in and out of the Octagon, as evidenced by his walkout at UFC London. The elite striker walked out to Michael Jackson’s classic hit ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ in an apparent allusion to his pre-fight comments.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page: UFC frustrations fueled ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ walkout

During a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Page admitted his walkout at UFC London was a direct message to the promotional brass.

“I’ve spoken about being frustrated with the decisions that were made. I think the main one for me, was the fact that they put a young kid, who is super talented, but has only had one fight in the UFC, as a co-main event. I felt disrespected,” Page admitted.

“The effort in what I’ve delivered for the fans, even in that same arena and other arenas around the world. Even if I haven’t necessarily gotten the finish yet, I’ve delivered some really entertaining fights, given people a lot to talk about, and made a lot of noise. To not put me in the co-main or main event, in my own backyard, I think the majority of fans were there to see me.

“That was a bit annoying, so I felt [the song] was relevant,” Page continued. “I always try to send a message with the time I have on stage, so I felt it was right.”

Page’s fight last Saturday was his first Octagon appearance since a win over middleweight Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 last August. The former Bellator title challenger is 4-1 in the UFC since signing with the promotion in 2024.

Is Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s UFC future in jeopardy following UFC London? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!