Islam Makhachev Backed To 'Expose' Leon Edwards, Is Official Michael "Venom" Page is in the UFC

Tony Ferguson continues to be defiant in the face of calls for his MMA retirement after another loss at UFC 296.
Ferguson, a former interim UFC lightweight champion, tied B. J. Penn for the most consecutive losses in octagon history this past Saturday when he drooped his seventh in a row, a unanimous decision against Paddy Pimblett.
It’s been a radical shift in fortune for “El Cucuy” in recent years. He once put together 12 consecutive wins in the lightweight division but has now slid far the other way. He hasn’t had his hand raised since June 2019.
UFC CEO Dana White said post-fight at UFC 296 that he would “love to see” Ferguson hang up the gloves and move on from active competition, but it doesn’t appear he’ll get his wish.
Scott Coker was all class when reacting to Michael Page’s signing with the UFC.
The longtime Bellator president worked with Page for nine years before MVP decided to test free agency. Page’s decision came in the midst of rumors that PFL would purchase Bellator, which eventually came to fruition in November.
While nothing has been revealed officially, all signs point to Coker no longer being involved in Bellator following the PFL’s acquisition, but he heaped praised on one of biggest stars he’s ever produced.
“I’ve always viewed (Michael Page) as one of the most versatile, talented, and effective martial artists I’ve ever promoted, ” Coker wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ll always be a fan. Congratulations on your new deal with (UFC). I’ll be watching your fight in Miami. ”
Page challenged for the Bellator welterweight title twice and broke numerous promotional records, such as the most wins in the division’s history. The flashy striker already has his first octagon appearance booked, as he’ll make his debut against Kevin Holland in March at UFC 299 from Kaseya Center in Miami.
Islam Makhachev Backed To 'Expose' Leon Edwards In Potential Super Fight: 'He's One-Dimensional'
Welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards will enter 2024 with eyes on his third challenge as champion, having cruised past the latest threat to his reign at this past weekend's UFC 296 pay-per-view.
But there also appears to be an option outside of the welterweight roster, with UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev frequently expressing his two-division ambitions throughout the year.
If a super fight between the Dagestani and Edwards comes to fruition, one former titleholder isn't giving "Rocky" much of a chance. .