Scott Coker Wants to See Michael Page More Active in Bellator MMA in 2018

Michael Page, one of Bellator MMA’s most intriguing talents, did not step into the cage once for the California-based promotion in 2017.

That wasn’t entirely by design. The flamboyant British striker was supposed to face Derek Anderson at Bellator 179 in May, but had to withdraw from the contest due to a knee injury. “Venom” was later expected to compete at Bellator 191 in London this past December, but that appearance never came to fruition.

Page was not entirely dormant, however. He made his professional boxing debut in October, scoring a third-round technical knockout over Jonathan Castano in Greenwich, England.

The 30-year-old London native wants to continue competing in the Sweet Science, and according to BoxRec.com, he is next scheduled to step into the ring on May 5 against an as-yet-to-be announced opponent.

Bellator President Scott Coker has no issues with Page pursuing a boxing career, but he also expects to see the welterweight star back in the cage by April or May.

“I think we’re scheduling right now; either he’ll be fighting in the U.K. for us or the show in San Jose in May. I’d say April or May I think we’ll have him back,” Coker said at a press conference on Thursday. “We’re gonna sit down with him, and we’re gonna keep him busy. I know he wants to box, which is fine for me. I have no problem with that.”

Page has compiled a 12-0 mark thus far in MMA, with eight of those triumphs coming under the Bellator banner. While most of his fights have ended in spectacular fashion, his most recent outing, a split verdict over Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 165, wasn’t particularly memorable.

Still, Page remains must-see TV anytime he is in the cage. It’s just a matter of getting him back in there.

“He’s got to pick up his MMA fights because we’ve got to keep that guy busy,” Coker said. “The guy is a big star and he’s extremely talented. I’d like to see him fight in the cage more.”