Ian Machado Garry's Rival Michael 'Venom' Page Returns to Middleweight at UFC Paris

Michael 'Venom' Page is set to return to the middleweight division at UFC Paris, a move that could have significant implications for Ian Machado Garry's prospects in the division.

What happened?

Page will face Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris on September 5th, a fight that marks his return to the middleweight division. This move comes after Page extended his win streak by defeating welterweight Sam Patterson at UFC London in March.

Why it matters for Ian Machado Garry

Page's decision to return to middleweight could impact Ian Machado Garry's prospects in the division. Garry, who lost to Page at UFC 303, may face a tougher road to success in the middleweight division with Page's return.

What comes next?

The UFC's return to Paris comes as top middleweight contender Nassourdine Imavov awaits a title shot against current champion Sean Strickland. However, Imavov is unlikely to headline UFC Paris, leaving the door open for other contenders like Page to make a statement.

Page has won three fights in a row since a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303. He has transitioned between middleweight and welterweight, adding to his versatility and flexibility to get booked fights. But that hasn't stopped Page from getting upset with the matchmakers' perceived lack of urgency in delivering quick turnarounds.

As UFC Paris draws closer, Page will look to make a statement in the middleweight division. With his return to the division, he will face a tough test against Nursulton Ruziboev, who has won three fights in a row since a unanimous decision defeat to Joaquin Buckley in May 2024.

Ruziboev returns to the Octagon after defeating Andrey Pulyaev just weeks ago at UFC Baku. He's considered wildly oversized for the welterweight division, standing at 6'5".

The last title fight that headlined a UFC Fight Night card was when then-UFC women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso fought Valentina Shevchenko at Noche UFC 1.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Category: match_report