5 Shocking Takeaways From Michael 'Venom' Page's Masterclass Victory Over Jared Cannonier At UFC 319

The highly anticipated middleweight clash between striking savant Michael 'Venom' Page and former title challenger Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 delivered a result that has sent shockwaves through the 185-pound division. On August 16, 2025, in Chicago, the charismatic British fighter, MVP, secured the biggest win of his UFC career, defeating "The Killa Gorilla" via a dominant unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

This victory was more than just a win; it was a statement that Michael Page is a legitimate threat in the UFC’s middleweight ranks, even against a seasoned, top-ten contender. As of today, December 17, 2025, the MMA world is analyzing the fallout, the controversial scorecards, and what this pivotal result means for the future of both men as they navigate a stacked division.

Fighter Profile: The Combatants' Biography and Record

The matchup at UFC 319 pitted two of the most dangerous strikers in the sport against one another, each with a unique journey to the top of the middleweight division.

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Michael 'Venom' Page (MVP)

• Full Name: Michael Jerome Reece-Page
• Nickname: 'Venom' (MVP)
• Born: April 7, 1987 (Age 38 at time of fight)
• Birthplace: Westminster, London, England
• Stance: Orthodox
• Association: London Shootfighters
• Professional Debut: February 4, 2012
• Pro MMA Record: 24 Wins, 3 Losses (24-3-0)
• Key Background: Known for his flashy, karate-style kickboxing, MVP made his name as a global star in Bellator MMA before signing with the UFC.

Jared 'The Killa Gorilla' Cannonier

• Full Name: Jared Christopher Cannonier
• Nickname: 'The Killa Gorilla'
• Born: March 16, 1984 (Age 41 at time of fight)
• Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
• Stance: Switch
• Association: MMA Lab
• Professional Debut: June 19, 2011
• Pro MMA Record: 18 Wins, 9 Losses (18-9-0)
• Key Background: A former heavyweight who successfully transitioned to light heavyweight and then to middleweight, where he challenged for the UFC title.

The Fight Breakdown: How MVP Outmaneuvered The Killa Gorilla

The narrative surrounding the UFC 319 middleweight bout was that it would be a classic striker vs. striker affair, but one where Cannonier’s pressure and power would eventually overwhelm Page’s elusive style. The reality proved to be a masterclass in distance management and psychological warfare by Michael Page.

1. Page’s Elusiveness and Psychological Dominance

From the opening bell, MVP controlled the cage with his signature theatrical movement and unorthodox striking. Cannonier, a veteran known for his granite chin and relentless forward pressure, struggled immensely to find his range. Page utilized his side-stance and long reach to land quick, snapping kicks and straight punches, darting in and out before Cannonier could counter. The psychological aspect was palpable, with Page's "dancing and pageantry" frustrating the more fundamental-focused Cannonier.

2. The Controversial Third Round Takedown

The fight hinged on the third round. After clearly winning the first two rounds on the feet, Page slipped, and Cannonier immediately capitalized, securing a crucial takedown. Cannonier maintained top position for the majority of the round, controlling Page in half guard and isolating an arm. While Cannonier controlled the position, he did not inflict significant damage, leading to a major debate among fans and media. The judges ultimately scored the round for Cannonier, but the damage deficit from the first two rounds was too great to overcome, securing the unanimous decision victory for MVP.

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The Fallout: What’s Next for Both Middleweight Contenders?

The result of Cannonier vs. Page has significant implications for the UFC middleweight rankings, especially for the loser, Jared Cannonier, who was aiming to surge back toward title contention.

Jared Cannonier: Back to the Drawing Board

For Jared Cannonier, the loss to Michael Page marks a significant setback in his pursuit of the middleweight championship, a title he previously challenged for against Israel Adesanya. Cannonier was reportedly unhappy with the matchup in the first place, with rumors suggesting he felt he was "on the chopping block" and was forced to take the fight. His next opponent is yet to be determined, as he comes off a unanimous decision loss on August 16. The 41-year-old veteran needs a high-profile win to avoid sliding out of the top ten, potentially against another ranked middleweight like Roman Dolidze or a rising star like Brendan Allen.

Michael 'Venom' Page: A New Contender at 185 Pounds

Michael Page's successful jump to the middleweight division, following his win over Sharabutdin Magomedov and now Cannonier, has solidified his position as a top-tier contender. The victory immediately propelled MVP into the middleweight rankings. While there is speculation about whether he will return to the welterweight division (170 lbs), where he spent most of his career, his success at 185 lbs suggests a permanent move may be in the cards. Sherdog suggests that a compelling next match for MVP would be against another high-ranked striker to test his title credentials further, perhaps against a former title challenger like Paulo Costa or a fresh matchup against Marvin Vettori.

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The key takeaway is that the UFC has a new, electric star in the middleweight division. MVP's unique style, now validated by a win over a perennial top contender, makes his next fight an absolute must-watch event, regardless of the opponent. The "Venom" era at 185 pounds has officially begun.