Dana White Provides Update On Tom Aspinall And Michael ‘Venom’ Page
Following Dana White’s Contender Series this week, the UFC CEO provided an update on Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s future with the promotion and confirmed there is no return date in mind for the injured heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
Page (5-1 UFC, 26-3 MMA) secured his most recent win this past weekend, but once again did so by decision in what many are considering a somewhat lacking performance given the low-output striking nature. Through his time with the UFC, he hasn’t been able to capture the same exciting moments in his fights that were based heavily on finishing sequences during his 17-2 run with Bellator between 2013 and 2023.
The match this past weekend was the final-fight on MVP’s UFC contract, and despite plans of reinvention heading into the match, his most recent victory did not help his cause. Following the match, he wasn’t given an in-octagon interview, which many counted as another bad sign, but backstage reiterated his hope to re-sign with the leading MMA promotion. Then, earlier this week, MVP’s name suddenly vanished from the official UFC rankings.
During the press conference following Tuesday night’s event at the Meta APEX, Dana White provided clarity on the situation by stating the UFC will not be re-signing Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
“I don’t think we’re signing him. I think it’s been pretty clear that he wasn’t being re-signed.”
🚨 Dana White confirms that the UFC will NOT be re-signing Michael ‘Venom’ Page
“I don’t think we’re signing him. I think it’s been pretty clear that he wasn’t being re-signed.” pic.twitter.com/PNDZVyNhyX
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 9, 2026
During the same press event, White was also asked about UFC champion Tom Aspinall, who has been out of action since suffering multiple eye pokes, courtesy of Ciryl Gane, during his first attempt at defending the heavyweight title in October 2025.
Unfortunately, for now, there is not much of an update surrounding the injured champion, as White quickly dismissed the question by stating Aspinall is still injured and emphasized that the heavyweight division will continue to progress. But last week, Eddie Hearn, who currently manages Aspinall, stated that the champion is motivated to get back into action, and while he was unable to provide an exact ‘ready to return’ date, the outlook sounded positive. White and Hearn do not usually see eye-to-eye on most topics, so their difference in views doesn’t come as much of a shock to anyone.
“Tom Aspinall is hurt. Until we hear differently, the heavyweight division will keep rolling.”
🚨 Dana White says Tom Aspinall is still hurt:
“Tom Aspinall is hurt. Until we hear differently, the heavyweight division will keep rolling.” pic.twitter.com/CDOtQqQVxm
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 9, 2026