Yardbarker
x
Former Bellator Chief Scott Coker Reacts To Michael 'Venom' Page's Successful UFC Debut: 'How Many People Can Do What He Does?'
Images: Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports & MMA Fighting/YouTube

Veteran mixed martial arts promoter Scott Coker was pleased to see his former Bellator fighter, Michael "Venom" Page, display his talents on the UFC stage earlier this month.

After a decade competing under the Bellator banner, Page entered free agency last year following a brutal finish of Goiti Yamauchi. During it, "MVP" came to terms with the sport's leading organization.

And months on from Dana White confirming his signing, Page debuted at UFC 299 in Miami on March 9. From the entrance to the flashy striking he utilized opposite Kevin Holland, the Londoner displayed glimpses of his entertaining style inside the Kaseya Center.

The result saw Page emerge victorious by way of unanimous decision. And in spite of Holland's dismissive attitude toward "Venom" owing to his employment history, the Brit's former boss was not surprised to see "Trailblazer" defeated on fight night...

Coker 'Blown Away' By What Page Could Do 10 Years Ago 

During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Coker reacted to seeing his longtime fighter thriving in a different environment not long after his own departure from the Bellator brand, which was acquired by the PFL in late 2023.

The 61-year-old highlighted Holland's pre-fight remarks, revealing that he had texted Page encouragement to prove "Big Mouth" wrong in the "Magic City."

And having seen that come to fruition, Coker was among those ecstatic to see Page having his hand raised inside the Octagon.

"I was so happy. I texted him, I said, 'Go show that boy what it’s all about because he’s out here talking all that mess.' At the end of the day, it’s not about what letters you fight for, what alphabet you fight for," Coker said. "At the end of the day, you’re either a great fighter or you’re not, and 'MVP' is a great fighter.

"He’s one of my most favorite athletes as a fighter because he can do things that you just can’t do. How many people can do what he does? To knock out the people he’s knocked out and the way he’s done it," Coker continued. "Sure, he’s had some losses along the way, but everyone loses in this sport... This guy is so talented. I’m happy he got a win. He’s now able to show his skills to a different audience, but I saw this guy 10 years ago and was blown away by things he was doing 10 years ago."

While he was disappointed to have not done more in his first UFC outing, Page certainly turned heads with both his walkout and unique standup style once the cage door closed behind him.

He'll now look to do the same second time around, as his pursuit of an all-British championship showdown with Leon Edwards continues. 

This article first appeared on MMA News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.