Who is Michael "Venom" Page?
Joe sits down with Michael "Venom" Page, a professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
TLDR — Key Topics and Moments
- 01Michael Venom Page discusses his journey from kickboxing to MMA and how his striking background shaped his fighting style
- 02Page talks about competing in both welterweight and middleweight divisions and the challenges of moving between weight classes
- 03Discussion of training methods, fight preparation, and what it takes to compete at the highest level in the UFC
- 04Page shares insights into his personality outside the octagon and how he approaches the mental aspect of fighting
- 05Conversation covers notable fights, comebacks, and learning experiences from losses in his professional career
- 06Joe and Michael explore the evolution of MMA striking, technique refinement, and the importance of diverse martial arts backgrounds
The Show
Joe Rogan sits down with Michael Venom Page on JRE MMA Show 170, diving deep into the career of one of the UFC's most technical strikers. Page brings his wealth of experience from transitioning out of kickboxing into mixed martial arts, a journey that fundamentally shaped how he approaches fighting at the highest level.
The conversation centers on Page's unique striking style and how his kickboxing background gives him an edge in the octagon. Page explains the technical nuances that separate elite strikers in MMA from those who are just average, emphasizing precision, timing, and the ability to read opponents in real time. Joe and Michael dig into the specifics of what makes certain techniques effective while others fall flat, exploring how fighters need to adapt their approach based on their opponent's style and defensive tendencies.
Page also opens up about the physical and mental challenges of competing across different weight classes in the UFC. Moving between welterweight and middleweight requires significant adjustment in training, nutrition, and fight strategy. The discussion touches on how weight classes affect fighting style and what compromises athletes make when moving up or down in weight.
Throughout the episode, Page shares candid reflections on his career trajectory, including lessons learned from difficult losses and the importance of maintaining perspective in a sport where outcomes can shift dramatically from fight to fight. He talks about the grind of professional fighting, the dedication required to stay competitive, and how mental toughness separates champions from everyone else.
The conversation flows naturally between technical fight analysis and personal stories, with Joe asking the kind of detailed questions that only someone deeply familiar with MMA would think to ask. Page comes across as thoughtful and articulate about his craft, someone who takes both the physical and cerebral aspects of fighting seriously. By the end, it's clear why Page has maintained relevance in such a competitive sport: his combination of technical skill, adaptability, and mental resilience.
Key Moments
Best Quotes
"The transition from kickboxing to MMA taught me to be more complete as a fighter"
"Striking in the UFC is all about timing and reading your opponent in the moment"
"Moving between weight classes is one of the hardest things you can do in professional fighting"
"You learn more from losses than you ever do from wins"
"Mental toughness is what separates the guys who compete at the highest level from everyone else"
Products and Books Mentioned
Everything brought up in this episode — linked to Amazon.
AG1
AmazonDaily nutritional supplement that Joe Rogan frequently recommends for overall health and wellness.
The Farmer's Dog
AmazonFresh, customized dog food delivery service for pets.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Full Transcript (click to expand)
Full transcript available. Auto-generated captions may contain errors.