Britain’s Page opens UFC account with debut victory over Holland

Published 10/03/2024 at 08:24 GMT

Michael Page’s highly anticipated UFC debut ended in victory at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The 36-year-old Brit impressed as he seeks a title shot against compatriot and welterweight champion Leon Edwards, comfortably beating Kevin Holland by a unanimous decision. “This is where I’m supposed to be,” Page said on TNT Sports. “Anybody that doubted I’m supposed to be here, see it for yourself.”

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Michael ‘Venom’ Page of England reacts after his victory against Kevin Holland in a welterweight fight during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Imag

Image credit: Eurosport

Michael Page took the first step to an all-British showdown with welterweight champion Leon Edwards after sealing his maiden UFC win on his highly anticipated debut.

The 36-year-old secured victory by unanimous decision against Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in Miami.

Asked how different it felt to fight inside the Octagon following his kickboxing career, Page said it was the “best I’ve ever felt.”

“Honestly, it feels the same in terms of how I feel inside,” he said on TNT Sports. “I do feel the UFC got to me a little bit, but the difference is everybody working for the UFC, they’re so on point.

“They got me here in great condition, probably the best I’ve ever felt. Kevin, he’s a tough guy.”

On his position in the welterweight division, he added: “I’ve got a little more work to do. A lot more, actually.

“But this is where I’m supposed to be. Anybody that doubted I’m supposed to be here, see it for yourself.”

Page set the tone early on with an electric entrance, arriving inside the Kaseya Center to a remixed version of the Undertaker’s theme tune from the WWE, as he made his first steps inside the Octagon.

Page landed some shots from range in the early exchanges, as he stunned Holland with an elbow and a couple of overhand rights to take the first round.

Holland retreated to his corner looking gassed after the opener but instantly hit Page with a right hand at the beginning of the second round to hold Page against the cage. Some big shots allowed Page to break free, but a slip gifted Holland the chance to take him to the ground before landing elbows on the mat.

Page managed to wriggle out of a hairy moment once more, before landing a right hand on Holland’s damaged eye, wobbling the American before landing a spinning elbow for another strong finish to the round.

A one-two at the start of the third put Page on the path to victory, as he followed up with a kick to the body and another no-look spinning elbow to inflict more damage on Holland’s eye.

All three judges’ scorecards were 29-28 in favour of the Brit, which surprised viewers as Page had looked comfortable throughout the bout.

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