Following weeks of rumors circulating, Michael Page’s move to the UFC has been confirmed, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White at the press conference that followed UFC 296. An internet leak had unintentionally increased the excitement surrounding Page’s move and the heightened anticipation before the confirmation.
In addition to validating Page’s admission into the prestigious mixed martial arts league, White’s disclosure unveiled the much-awaited UFC 299 card. This upcoming schedule is expected to invigorate the welterweight division and represent a turning point in Page’s career as he advances into the highest levels of mixed martial arts competition.
Dana White reveals Michal Page’s debut opponent
The news of the Page vs. Holland bout at UFC 299 may not be shocking to die-hard fans of mixed martial arts who follow the sport religiously. Keen observers had already caught a glimpse of the bout on the UFC’s own “war room” board, a well-kept exhibit at the company’s Las Vegas headquarters.
However, the secret information was leaked to the public when UFC CEO Dana White accidentally revealed the match while making an appearance on the “Full Send” video podcast. Apart from the custom of sparingly revealing fight matchups after events, White defied convention by revealing not just the Page vs. Holland bout but also three more matchups for UFC 299.
The main event will feature a bantamweight title bout between Marlon Vera and the charismatic champion Sean O’Malley. This fight will set the stage for a much-awaited rematch after their first meeting in 2020. The MMA community is excited by White’s lighthearted method of revealing these matchups.
Dana White announces UFC 299 fight card
Garry Ian Machado vs. Neal, The talented welterweight fighter Neal was forced to withdraw from his fight at UFC 292 due to undisclosed circumstances. Garry was scheduled to face Vicente Luque at UFC 296; however, he was forced to withdraw from the fight because of pneumonia, so the UFC decided to reschedule their original bout.
Song Yadong, who recently defeated Chris Gutierrez by decision at UFC Vegas 83, was also given a rebooking for his matchup with Petr Yan. Yadong was originally expected to meet Yan before arranging to fight Gutierrez, but the fight was never officially announced.
Jack Della Maddalena vs Gilbert Burns Burns made fun of Colby Covington, the former interim champion, following his dull defeat at UFC 296 in his role as a former title challenger. But the UFC had other ideas and put Burns up against the currently undefeated Maddalena, who has won six straight fights.
