Michael Page’s UFC future in doubt After sudden rankings removal

Michael Page's future with the UFC is in question after he was suddenly removed from the promotion's rankings eligibility, despite winning his most recent bout. Page defeated Nursulton Ruziboev by unanimous decision at UFC Paris on September 5, but shortly after the victory, the UFC notified ranking panelists that he was no longer eligible to be ranked in the middleweight division.

MMA reporter John Morgan shared the UFC's email, which stated: "Michael Page has been removed from rankings eligibility effective immediately." The notification instructed panelists to update their middleweight rankings to ensure they listed 15 eligible fighters.

Following his win, Page suggested the promotion may have been dissatisfied with his performance, remarking, "They weren't happy with me before; they're not gonna be happy with me now." The removal came after Page did not receive a post-fight interview inside the Octagon—an unusual omission for a fighter coming off a victory. Page joined the UFC in 2024 and compiled a 5–1 record inside the promotion, with his only loss to date coming against fellow welterweight Ian Garry. The reasons behind the UFC's decision to strip his ranking eligibility remain unclear, though the timing suggests organizational dissatisfaction.