Michael Page is set to face former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit in a grappling match at Polaris 30 in London, aiming to improve his grappling skills under competitive conditions and continue building his legacy as a versatile martial artist.
Michael Page keeps surprising the combat sports world with his unexpected matchups. This time, “MVP” is set to face former WEC welterweight champion Carlos Condit. They’ll headline Saturday’s Polaris 30 grappling card in London, streaming exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
Page, a longtime Bellator star now competing in the UFC welterweight division, is eager to add more excitement to his résumé. He aims to leave a legacy as a true martial artist—someone who can adapt and compete wherever the fight takes him. “It’s definitely fun that I seem to blindside a lot of people,” Page told MMA Fighting. “But yeah, I’m excited for this one.”
After making his UFC debut at UFC 299, where he defeated Kevin Holland by unanimous decision, Page faced Ian Machado Garry at UFC 303. Although he lost a close decision, many saw it as Garry’s toughest fight yet. Page had plans to expand his martial arts skills before International Fight Week, and his bout with Garry solidified that decision.
So how did Page get paired with Condit? It wasn’t initially planned. “After my last fight, I was already thinking about focusing on grappling,” Page explained. A friend connected him with Polaris organizers, and although Donald Cerrone was initially suggested, things didn’t pan out. Then Condit’s name came up—a fighter Page respects and admires.
Condit retired from MMA after losing to Max Griffin at UFC 264 in July 2021. Known as the “Natural Born Killer,” he has an impressive record, including winning the WEC welterweight title and capturing the interim UFC welterweight belt against Nick Diaz at UFC 143.
For Page, sharing the mat with Condit is an honor. The result isn’t as crucial as what this encounter represents in his martial arts journey. “In all honesty, it’s just the experience,” Page said. He wants to improve his grappling under the spotlight—a different challenge than gym practice.
Page enjoys jiu-jitsu but acknowledges that his strengths lie in striking. Still, he finds joy in grappling and sees Polaris as an opportunity to experience it under pressure. “I just love being a martial artist and showing my skills in every aspect,” he shared.
And there you have it—another intriguing chapter in Michael Page’s evolving story!