Bold claim: Michael Page’s UFC booking lineup feels oddly tangled, and even Daniel Cormier isn’t shy about calling the schedule confusing. Here’s a clearer, fully reimagined take on the same story, with extra context to help newcomers understand why this matchup stands out.
UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Daniel Cormier weighs in on the ongoing confusion surrounding Michael Page’s next opponent, Sam Patterson. Page, who enters UFC competition with a 24-3 record (3-1 in the UFC), has spent his UFC tenure facing high-caliber opponents. His last appearance ended in a unanimous decision win over former title challenger Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 in August. Yet Page has publicly expressed frustration about finding opponents who will step into the cage with him, even questioning whether his recent bookings haven’t reflected his star power.
The next bout is set for UFC Fight Night 270 at The O2 in London, scheduled for March 21, and will feature Page against Patterson (14-2-1, 4-1 UFC), who currently sits unranked. The announcement sparked conversations about matchmaking: why match a rising star who’s fought top-tier competition against a fighter who isn’t ranked and who Page knows personally from training camps?
Cormier broke down the situation on his YouTube channel. He acknowledged Patterson’s strong preparation and potential, noting that Patterson has looked sharp and earned an impressive four-fight finish streak. Still, Cormier pointed out that Page’s recent opponents—Ian Garry, Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov, Cannonier, and others—represent a level of competition that should typically lead to a different opponent than Patterson. In Cormier’s view, the disappointment isn’t about Patterson; it’s about whether Page’s next fight should push him toward a more challenging or higher-profile matchup.
Page’s position remains tricky. He’s ranked No. 14 in the UFC’s official welterweight rankings, yet he’s not currently in the top 15 of the middleweight rankings, despite defeating No. 10 Cannonier. His dynamic, difficult-to-pait lineup has made landing willing opponents a challenge, prompting Page to float between divisions. That flexibility, while testament to his versatility, has also contributed to what fans consider an unusual booking decision.
Cormier suggests the safest path for Page might be to secure his first finish inside the UFC, which could help him regain momentum and perhaps make future opponents think twice before agreeing to fight him. However, he acknowledges the balancing act—matchmakers like Sean Shelby have a tough job pairing a fighter who’s perceived as especially hard to book.
So, what happens next could shape Page’s trajectory: Patterson is a formidable opponent with a finishing streak; Page could rise to the occasion with a standout performance, or Patterson might extend the trend of upsets for newer additions to the UFC stage. If Page can deliver a decisive finish, it could reset expectations and open doors for higher-stakes matchups. If not, critics might question the direction of Page’s career path and the matchmaking logic that brought him to this fight.
What do you think about Page’s upcoming bout with Patterson? Is this a smart test that could propel Page forward, or a step back that risks stalling his ascent? Share your perspective in the comments.
