Michael "Venom" Page says his relationship with UFC president Dana White never existed. The fighter made the comment in reference to White's apparent lack of support throughout Page's career in the organization.
Page has been a middleweight mainstay in the UFC for years but has struggled to land major title shots despite flashing elite striking skills. His claim that White was never really a fan suggests frustration with how the promotion has treated him relative to other contenders. The dynamic between fighters and White frequently shapes career trajectory in the UFC. Title opportunities, fight bonuses, and favorable matchmaking often hinge on whether the president believes in a fighter.
Page's bluntness here reflects a broader tension in the sport. Fighters want recognition and opportunity. White controls both. When that relationship breaks down or never develops, fighters find themselves on the periphery despite their abilities. Page's statement reads as someone who finally decided to say what he likely thought for years. He's not getting the push, and he's done pretending the problem doesn't exist.
Whether Page gets another shot to prove himself at the highest level likely depends on whether his next performances force White's hand. Performances have a way of changing minds.