Michael Venom Page on Dana White’s UFC London Walkout: “I Wouldn’t Have Watched Me Either”

Michael "Venom" Page addressed claims of a rift with UFC CEO Dana White following reports that White exited the O2 Arena during Page's bout against Sam Patterson at UFC London. Page acknowledged hearing about the incident indirectly, stating that even if White's departure was due to his performance, he would "understand" such a reaction.

UFC London Context

On March 21, 2026, Page made his welterweight return at UFC London, securing a unanimous decision victory over England's Sam Patterson in a three-round contest at the O2 Arena. The fight, however, garnered significant backlash from fans and media due to its minimal action; Page landed 33 of 61 strikes, while Patterson connected with 25 of 78. Despite a roster rich with British talent, the event's atmosphere was widely described as "absolutely dead."

This unenthusiastic reception sharply contrasted with Page's established reputation as one of MMA's most captivating strikers, and it marked his inaugural UFC fight on home ground in London. The negative feedback even led to social media demands for the UFC to release him, a sentiment Page later admitted intensified his disappointment with his own showing.

Reports of Dana White’s Walkout

Following the event, various UK media outlets and spectators reported that Dana White departed the arena before the co-main and main events, specifically soon after Page's victory against Patterson. Subsequent reports indicated White seemed "bored," with Page's match being highlighted as one of the most heavily criticized bouts of the evening.

During "The Ariel Helwani Show," Ariel Helwani brought up these claims, informing Page that there were "some reports that Dana left in the middle of your fight" and inquired if Page believed it was connected to his performance. Helwani emphasized that he had not witnessed White's departure himself, merely relaying accounts from others present at the O2.

MVP’s Reaction

Page stated that he only became aware of these allegations post-event and remains unable to confirm if White genuinely exited during his fight.

"Someone mentioned it to me, but I can't confirm its truthfulness. Even they seemed unsure," Page recounted. "However, if his departure was indeed due to my performance, that's understandable. I probably would have left my own performance too – it was truly subpar."

"I'm not going to be upset about it," he continued. "If I had been delivering spectacular kicks, spins, and slams, and then he walked out, I might wonder what was happening, taking it personally. But, as I've admitted, I'm personally disappointed with both the outcome and the fight itself. So, if his reaction was 'Yeah, I'm done watching,' then fair enough."

Page consistently described his performance as "not good enough," expressing that his personal dissatisfaction with his fight output allowed him to empathize with any promoter or fan who might have disengaged. He further mentioned not encountering any direct negative feedback from UFC staff during fight week and did not personally see White in London, though he felt generally supported by matchmaker Hunter Campbell and other officials.

The seasoned 25-fight veteran expressed a desire for a swift return to the octagon to "make as many people forget what just happened," confirming he is already implementing adjustments to regain his finishing prowess after a streak of five consecutive decision victories. He also urged the UFC to provide clear guidance regarding his division, either welterweight or middleweight, and to arrange an opponent who would allow him to "showcase" the dynamic MVP that he felt was absent at UFC London.