Michael Page Anticipates Huge Fanfare in a Match With Leon Edwards
Michael Page will make his UFC debut against Kevin Holland at UFC 299 this weekend. Page, a highly experienced kickboxer who made waves in Bellator MMA’s welterweight division where he went 16-2 (21-2 overall), knows doing well at 299 against Holland could put him on the fast track to a title shot.
Holland, currently ranked No. 13 in the UFC’s welterweight division is the man to beat to break into the rankings. Page believes, with his fanbase back home in the UK he could do great numbers for the UFC in a stadium if he gets a shot at Leon Edwards down the road. Page is fully aware that he’s the new guy and the road to Edwards is long, but he’s willing to put in the time to get a title fight back home.
Speaking with ESPN, Page said it would have to be in a stadium in the UK if he gets to that point.
“We have to do it in a stadium in the UK,” said Page when asked about the potential match-up. He added, “I’ll fight somebody else first and take the longer route just to make sure it happens in the UK.”
Page recalled his rivalry with Paul Daley in Bellator MMA, where their grudge match had a massive build-up that had them face off at Bellator 216, but it was at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Page called that “ a massive letdown” and feels if Edwards is still the champion if he gets his shot, the build-up could be the same and the UFC could capitalize on it if they make the fight in the UK instead of Las Vegas.
Page said, “This would be the same kind of build-up, a lot more respectful but the same kind of people anticipating the build-up, it has to happen in the UK.”
It’s hard to disagree, but he has to worry about Holland first.
