It’s going down at 185 pounds on Saturday night, as Michael “Venom” Page faces Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Fight Night: Hooker vs. Parnasse in Paris, France.
Page (25–3, 4–1 UFC) is riding a three-fight win streak, capped by a unanimous decision victory over Sam Patterson in March. Ruziboev (37–9–2, 5–1 UFC) has also won three straight, punctuated by a first-round submission victory against Andrew Pulyaev in June.
Page enters as a -170 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Ruziboev is a +142 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Page vs. Ruziboev Preview
Michael Page
- 25–3 (4–1 UFC)
- 13–1 (T)KO
- 3–0 SUB
Michael “Venom” Page is a uniquely complicated matchup. The longtime Bellator veteran has proved as much since joining the UFC, stumping opponents with his eccentric stand-up game—backed by exceptional defense and counter-striking. His lone loss since joining the promotion came at the hands of recent welterweight title challenger Ian Machado Garry.
The English contender, 39, isn’t known for his finishing ability; all of his UFC fights have gone the distance. But Page has continued to win by outpointing his opponents. Should he keep things standing against the skilled submission specialist Nursulton Ruziboev, Page’s fourth straight victory is well within reach.
Nursulton Ruziboev
- 37–9–2 (5–1 UFC)
- 13–1 (T)KO
- 21–1 SUB
Uzbekistan’s Nursulton Ruziboev is riding high after notching his 34th career stoppage win, bolstering his gaudy 92 percent finish rate across 37 pro wins. The Uzbekistani stoppage artist heads into Paris eyeing his fourth straight win — likely looking to get the job done inside the distance.
Still, “Black” may find trouble adding to his highlight reel against the unconventional Michael Page, who has only been finished once in his career — not since 2019. Ruziboev, 32, typically loads up on big power shots rather than chaining together combinations, which could thwart his effectiveness on the feet against the defensive wizard. However, his dangerous submission arsenal gives him a path to victory on the ground.
Page vs. Ruziboev Pick, Best Bet
Even at 39, Michael “Venom” Page remains the point-fighting final boss. With a strong 70 percent takedown defense, the seasoned veteran should keep things standing against Nursulton Ruziboev. From there, he can impose his signature brand of unorthodox striking — steadily padding his stats while staying out of harm’s way and keeping his opponent off rhythm.
As he’s done in four of his first five trips to the Octagon, “MVP” should take Saturday’s middleweight clash by decision.
