Michael "Venom" Page, a free agent since the summer, remains a tantalizing prospect for both the UFC and the PFL, with the dynamic fighter keeping his options open as he ponders his next career move. Following an illustrious tenure in Bellator, where Page, 36, crafted an impressive 17-2 record and amassed a highlight reel of captivating performances, the fighter recently entered free agency, sparking speculation about his future destination. In a conversation with The MMA Fan Show, Page hinted at a potential UFC move while maintaining a sense of mystery about his next step: "I wish I could say for certain that we have or we haven’t. Honestly speaking, we’re not there yet. There’s still a few hurdles we need to jump over, but like I said, we’re flirting." Acknowledging the allure of the UFC and the array of dream fights it offers, Page expressed the evolution of his perspectives on career goals within the MMA landscape: "It’s difficult to say because I think there are dream fights and a lot of those dream fights land in the UFC. Over time, things have changed. It’s a lot more than just the name of the brand, there’s a lot more to it now." However, Page's decision is further complicated by Bellator's recent acquisition by the PFL, potentially making a move to the latter a lateral transition. Despite this, he finds the PFL's developmental approach intriguing and hasn't dismissed it as a viable option. While Page refrains from confirming any agreements, his appearances at UFC events have fueled speculation. Notably, a meeting with UFC CEO Dana White, arranged by UFC executive Hunter Campbell in Abu Dhabi, marked a significant interaction for the fighter. "I got to be invited by Hunter over to Abu Dhabi to watch a show over there, which was an exceptional show. It was actually the first time I met Dana. Yeah, it was still early doors, but it was just nice to meet the people that are interested," Page recounted. As the intrigue surrounding Page's next move continues, fight enthusiasts eagerly await the resolution of his free agency saga, curious to see whether "MVP" will opt for the octagon or explore fresh opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts.

Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa has suggested that he may make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 297 next year. Known for his intriguing fight style and infectious personality, Costa has remained a captivating figure in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, leaving fans both enamored and polarized. Costa's journey as one of the top contenders at middleweight took an unexpected turn when an injury forced him out of his scheduled bout against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. Since then, speculation has been rife about when the Brazilian powerhouse would grace the Octagon once again. A recent tweet from Costa has fueled anticipation, hinting at a potential return on January 20, coinciding with the first UFC pay-per-view event of the year. The cryptic message, "Jan 20 [fist and fire emojis]," has left fans speculating about Costa's imminent comeback. While Costa has teased fans in the past without immediate follow-through, there are signs suggesting that he is on the path to recovery from his previous injury. The UFC 297 event, scheduled to take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, promises a main event clash in the middleweight division, featuring Sean Strickland defending his newly-won belt against Dricus du Plessis. Although it may initially seem like a distant possibility, there's also speculation that Costa could potentially serve as the backup fighter for the main event. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Costa's participation in UFC 297, leaving fight enthusiasts eagerly awaiting confirmation and the potential return of the Brazilian powerhouse to the Octagon.

PFL founder Donn Davis expressed his belief that Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix holds an advantage over UFC bantamweight titleholder Sean O'Malley. Davis shared his insights during a post-fight press conference, emphasizing his confidence in Mix's skills and hinting at a potential cross-promotion bout between the two fighters. During the media rounds following the announcement of the Bellator acquisition, Davis engaged with reporters and delved into the hypothetical matchup between Mix and O'Malley. While acknowledging the competitiveness of the potential fight, Davis confidently asserted, "Patchy Mix could beat 'Suga.' He doesn't have the hair, but he's got better fighting." Davis believes that the majority of people view it as a close and exciting bout, with Mix potentially holding a slight edge. Patchy Mix himself is not shy about expressing his confidence in facing O'Malley or any other bantamweight in the MMA scene. In a recent statement to TMZ Sports, Mix asserted, "I believe deep down, full-heartedly, in my heart of hearts, I actually know I am the best bantamweight in the world." He went on to highlight his versatility, including striking skills, and confidently stated, "I just believe I'm better than him. I think I could finish him within 2.5 rounds. I don't think he'd really have much for me." Despite Mix's confidence and Davis's optimism about a potential cross-promotion bout, the likelihood of such a matchup happening remains uncertain, given the historical reluctance of the UFC to engage in co-promotion. UFC CEO Dana White has been notably dismissive of the idea, leading Davis to speculate that White's reactions may stem from insecurity regarding PFL's strategic business moves. As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, the potential for cross-promotion clashes remains a tantalizing topic for fight fans.

Undefeated WBC middleweight champion, Jermall Charlo, is still considering a return to the middleweight division for his next fight. Despite coming in 3½ pounds over the contracted catch weight of 163 pounds in his recent 10-round unanimous decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr., Charlo remains confident that he can make the 160-pound limit. Charlo sees potential matchups with his mandatory challenger, Carlos Adames, and IBF/WBO champ Janibek Alimkhanuly as appealing options in the middleweight division. However, the Houston-based champion is also eyeing the super middleweight category, expressing a keen interest in challenging the Mexican superstar, Canelo Alvarez. Fans and media have been clamoring for Alvarez to defend his IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO super middleweight titles against David Benavidez. However, Alvarez has not publicly shown much interest in facing Benavidez, who recently stopped Demetrius Andrade in their Showtime Pay-Per-View main event. Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) has thrown his hat into the ring, expressing a desire to be considered as Alvarez's opponent for a likely May 4 return to the ring. Despite the prevailing sentiment favoring a showdown with Benavidez, Charlo believes that a bout against Alvarez would be the biggest and most profitable fight he could secure. During a press conference, Charlo boldly stated, "Pick me," when asked if he had a message for Alvarez. He emphasized the uniqueness of his style compared to his twin brother, who previously faced Alvarez. Jermell Charlo (35-2-1, 19 KOs), who was boxing's undisputed 154-pound champion, moved up two weight classes to challenge Alvarez, resulting in a cautious loss. Reflecting on his recent victory over Benavidez Jr., Jermall Charlo acknowledged a lack of motivation but affirmed that he got the job done. Despite potential family drama, with his estranged brother Jermell not returning his calls since attending Jermell's fight against Alvarez, Jermall remains open to high-profile matchups in either the middleweight or super middleweight division. If Alvarez opts not to face David Benavidez in his first fight of 2024, there is speculation that Premier Boxing Champions founder Al Haymon could arrange a pay-per-view fight between Alvarez and Jermall Charlo, capitalizing on the narrative of Charlo attempting to avenge his brother's defeat. The potential matchup adds an intriguing layer to the dynamic world of professional boxing.

Former UFC fighter and current head of fighter operations for PFL Europe, Dan Hardy, has weighed in on the prospect of a boxing clash between Ngannou and Anthony Joshua. Ngannou's foray into the boxing world garnered significant attention, particularly after his narrow defeat to Fury via split decision. Following the bout, Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed interest in arranging a boxing match with the formidable Ngannou. Speaking on MMAFighting.com's "The MMA Hour," Dan Hardy shared his insights, highlighting Ngannou's potential advantage against Joshua. Hardy acknowledged the stylistic challenges Ngannou poses for different opponents, emphasizing the difficulty in dealing with Tyson Fury's tall stature, excellent upper body movement, and defensive skills. In contrast, Hardy noted that fighters like Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce adopt a more upright posture and might not absorb punches as effectively. Expressing his thoughts on the potential matchup, Hardy stated, "I think honestly Anthony Joshua’s probably one of the better matchups for Ngannou out of all the heavyweights." He then delved into the dynamics of a bout against Joshua, suggesting that Ngannou's power could pose a significant threat, particularly in exploiting potential vulnerabilities in Joshua's ability to recover if he hits the canvas. "I don’t know if he can regroup if he hits the canvas, especially against an 0-1 boxer that’s still early in his career. I feel like it would unravel much quicker," Hardy added, casting doubt on Joshua's resilience in the face of Ngannou's power. As speculation continues to swirl around a potential boxing matchup between Ngannou and Joshua, Hardy's insights add an intriguing layer to the evolving narrative in the combat sports world.

Teofimo Lopez, the junior welterweight titlist and former unified lightweight champion, has expressed his displeasure at the meager purse offered for a potential bout with Ryan Garcia. Speaking at the David Benavidez vs. Demetrius Andrade card in Las Vegas on Saturday night, Lopez revealed that he turned down an offer to face Garcia early next year due to what he considered an inadequate compensation, far below his market value. While the specifics of the offer, including its origin, remained undisclosed, Lopez disclosed that he was presented with a $1.5 million purse. However, he refrained from elaborating on whether the proposal came from his promoter, Top Rank, or Garcia's promoter, Golden Boy, headed by Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar De La Hoya had previously expressed interest in arranging a Garcia vs. Lopez showdown for February, coinciding with Super Bowl weekend—an idea endorsed by Top Rank's Bob Arum. In response to the offer, Lopez, known for his candidness, stated, "When you're the best, when you are the guy, when you bring major sponsors, endorsements, big major business deals, when you offer me a 1.5 [million dollars] stake in the piece—f--k you. So yeah, I declined the offer." Pressed for details on his future plans, Lopez provided a cryptic response, saying, "What's next for me is worldwide takeover, that's what's next." He expressed a desire to expand his reach globally, mentioning plans to visit Italy and other locations, emphasizing his intention to go beyond traditional boxing avenues. Lopez, with a record of 19-1 and 13 knockouts, recently conveyed to BoxingScene.com that he has no immediate plans to return to the ring, citing unmet demands and inadequate returns. In a viral social media post, he asserted that collecting garbage pays better than boxing. This perplexing behavior follows one of Lopez's career-best victories—a decisive decision over Josh Taylor in June, capturing Taylor's WBO 140-pound title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Despite silencing his critics with the win, Lopez stirred controversy by hinting at retirement immediately afterward. On the other side, Ryan Garcia, boasting a record of 23-1 with 19 knockouts, is gearing up for his 140-pound debut against Oscar Duarte at the Toyota Center in Houston next week. Garcia is looking to bounce back from a high-profile loss to Gervonta Davis in April.

U ndefeated sensation Adam Azim has set his sights on the pinnacle of the division, singling out WBO world champion Teofimo Lopez as the man to beat at 140-pounds. Azim, a 21-year-old puncher, recently made waves by clinching the EBU title in only his tenth professional fight, dispatching Franck Petitjean earlier this month. His remarkable journey has now fueled a bold ambition – Azim aims to position himself for a world title shot by the end of 2024. "I want it [a title shot] by this time next year; I have to become world champion," asserted Azim in an interview. As the junior welterweight landscape takes center stage on December 9, with Devin Haney making his 140 debut against WBC world champion Regis Prograis, Azim is watching closely. Despite his belief in Haney's capabilities to outbox Prograis, Azim reserves the top spot for Teofimo Lopez, who earlier this year dominated Josh Taylor to secure the WBO title. "Teofimo is the man to beat in this weight. Teo has had his problems outside of the ring, but he is a great fighter, and I can’t see Haney beating him if they do get it on. Teo needs to get those fights in; he has to defend the title," Azim emphasized. On the domestic front, Azim anticipates a potential showdown with fellow unbeaten Dalton Smith. While acknowledging that no official offer has been extended for the Smith fight, Azim envisions a future clash, stating, "There is no rush, but the way we are both going at the moment, I think we can both get world titles and we can make it a huge fight." Adding an international flair to his aspirations, Azim also eyes Keyshawn Davis as a compelling rival. With a keen interest in the U.S. market, Azim recognizes the allure of fighting in the United States, where he believes the dream ticket for any fighter unfolds. The emerging rivalry with Keyshawn Davis adds an extra layer of glamour to Azim's ambitious journey in the junior welterweight division.

Eddie Hearn, the promoter for former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, is setting the stage for a colossal clash between Joshua and Deontay Wilder in March of next year. On December 23rd, the boxing world will be treated to a double-header extravaganza in Ryidah, Saudi Arabia, where Joshua and Wilder will co-headline a major event. Joshua is slated to face top contender Otto Wallin, while Wilder is set to take on Joseph Parker in a compelling battle between former world champions. Hearn's efforts to materialize a Joshua vs. Wilder showdown have been ongoing for several months, facing setbacks primarily linked to funding issues with the Middle Eastern management group expressing interest in the bout. However, the upcoming matches in December are poised to be crucial in paving the way for the much-anticipated 2024 showdown. "We had six weeks when we received a phone call from Saudi Arabia to say, 'Do you want to fight on the card?' Otto Wallin is the opponent. And at the same time, we got offered fights for [Dmitry] Bivol and [Jai] Opetaia, and AJ was up for it," revealed Hearn in an interview with MacLife. Despite initial agreements for a January bout falling through, Hearn remains optimistic about a March face-off if both heavyweights secure victories in their December assignments. Wilder, returning for the first time since his explosive win against Robert Helenius in October 2022, and Joshua, under the guidance of new head trainer Derrick James, are both looking to make a statement in the upcoming bouts. Joshua, coming off a decision win over Jermaine Franklin in April and a knockout victory in August against late replacement Helenius, expressed his desire to fight three times this year. With Wilder sharing the card in December, Hearn envisions a showdown between the two heavyweight giants, deeming it "inevitable" with victories on both sides. The boxing world eagerly awaits the outcome of these December battles, anticipating a thrilling 2024 showdown that could redefine the heavyweight landscape.

Former IBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank Jr, has voiced his concern over the perceived unequal pay structure within the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Despite being a fervent MMA enthusiast who admits to watching the UFC more than traditional boxing, Eubank Jr. highlighted a significant drawback: the financial disparities faced by UFC fighters. Speaking to The MMA Hour, Eubank Jr. commended the UFC for its entertainment value but expressed his discontent with how Dana White's monopoly has impacted fighter compensation. The boxer-turned-observer emphasized that UFC athletes earn substantially less than their counterparts in the world of boxing, pinpointing this as the sole downside of the sport from his perspective. The issue of fighter pay has been a longstanding concern in the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), with increasing numbers of fighters opting to switch to boxing in pursuit of more lucrative contracts. Eubank Jr. referenced notable departures from the UFC, including Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, and Anderson Silva, who sought bigger purses outside the octagon. Even recently crowned bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley has hinted at a potential move to boxing after securing his UFC title. Eubank Jr. foresees a continued exodus of fighters from the UFC in pursuit of higher paydays, attributing this trend to the UFC's inability to match the financial incentives offered by the boxing world. According to Eubank Jr., the UFC's structure, dominated by Dana White, limits fighters' negotiating power. He cited the example of Ngannou, emphasizing that dissenting voices within the UFC often face limited options, compelling them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Drawing a stark contrast with boxing, Eubank Jr. pointed out the global presence of promoters and associations, creating fierce competition for top talent. This competitive landscape ensures that fighters in boxing receive more lucrative offers, a scenario he believes is absent in the UFC. Eubank Jr. acknowledged White's business acumen but underscored the inherent limitations it imposes on UFC fighters' earning potential, sparking further discussions about equitable compensation in the MMA industry.

Headlining the much-anticipated ONE Fight Night 18 on Prime Video is a thrilling clash between two titans, Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Elias Mahmoudi, set to take place at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on January 12. ONE Championship, a global powerhouse in martial arts, is gearing up for its first U.S. primetime show of 2024 with this epic showdown for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. Superlek, known as "The Kicking Machine," boasts an impressive record of 12-1 in the promotion. His journey includes a hard-fought defeat against Ilias Ennahachi in 2021, the only blemish on an otherwise stellar record. Undeterred, Superlek rebounded with a remarkable 10-fight winning streak, claiming and defending the coveted ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. Not limited to kickboxing, Superlek secured the #1 contender's spot in Muay Thai, showcasing his versatile skills in the ring. His recent bout in 2023 against Rodtang Jitmuangnon was a contender for Fight of the Year, resulting in a close unanimous decision win. Despite missing weight, Superlek aims to return to the ring to defend his title for the second time. Challenging Superlek's dominance is Elias Mahmoudi, a French-Algerian striker on a redemption quest since narrowly losing a technical decision to Petchdam Petchyindee in 2019 for the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. Mahmoudi's relentless pursuit of glory has led him to this moment, as he prepares to face Superlek at ONE Fight Night 18. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as these two warriors vie for supremacy in the ONE Championship arena.

Lamont Roach claimed the WBA super featherweight title with a split decision victory over Hector Luis Garcia. The thrilling bout unfolded as the opening spectacle on the Showtime Pay-Per-View's undercard featuring David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade. Roach (24-1-1, 9 KOs), in his second attempt at a 130-pound world title, emerged victorious after a closely contested battle against the Dominican southpaw Garcia (16-2-1, 10 KOs, 3 NC). The 28-year-old from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, showcased resilience and determination to secure the biggest triumph of his career. The fight, which took place on Saturday night, saw Roach hurting Garcia in the 11th round and earning a questionable knockdown in the 12th round. The judges' scorecards reflected the intensity of the bout, with Max De Luca scoring it 114-113 and Robert Hoyle scoring it 116-111 in favor of Roach. However, Judge Tim Cheatham scored the fight 114-113 for Garcia. The bout had the potential to end in a split draw, but Roach's credited knockdown in the 12th round tipped the scales in his favor. Roach's victory marked a significant redemption, especially considering his loss in his first title fight four years ago against Jamel Herring. Garcia, a former champion, faced his second consecutive defeat, having previously been stopped by Gervonta Davis earlier this year. Despite the outcome, the competitive nature of the fight showcased the resilience of both fighters. In the latter rounds, Roach strategically landed effective blows, including a right hand that rocked Garcia in the 11th round. The drama continued in the 12th round, with Roach scoring a debatable knockdown, eliciting controversy and discussions about the fairness of the call. Lamont Roach now eyes his reign as the WBA super featherweight champion, marking a triumphant chapter in his boxing journey.

Showtime Boxing will bid farewell to its loyal fans with a thrilling tripleheader on December 16 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The co-main event of the night will feature WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez defending his belt against unbeaten challenger Angelino Cordova in a twelve-round bout. The other two fights on the card are the rematch between Chris Colbert and Jose Valenzuela in the super featherweight division, and the WBA ‘Regular’ super middleweight title clash between David Morrell and Sena Agbeko. The lineup was announced during the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade Showtime PPV event on Saturday from Las Vegas. Martinez, who hails from Mexico City, is one of the most exciting fighters in the lower weight classes. He has made six successful defenses of his title since knocking out Cristofer Rosales in December 2019. His last fight was in May, when he stopped Ronal Batista in the eleventh round on the undercard of his stablemate Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s homecoming in Zapopan, Mexico. Martinez was supposed to face McWilliams Arroyo in a unification bout, but the Puerto Rican Olympian lost his interim status for failing to comply with the WBC rules. Martinez was then allowed to take a voluntary defense, which he chose to do against Cordova, who is ranked number four by the WBC. Martinez hopes to secure another unification fight in 2024 if he wins this bout. Cordova, who is from Venezuela, is a rising contender who has upset two former title challengers in his last two fights. He beat Axel Aragon Vega by a close decision in June in Florida, and then stunned Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta by a unanimous decision in April in California. Both fights were at junior flyweight, but Cordova is moving back up to flyweight to challenge Martinez for his first world title. The Martinez-Cordova fight will be part of a historic night for the flyweight division, as three of the four major titles will be on the line on the same date. The other fight will be the highly anticipated unification bout between IBF/WBO champion Sunny Edwards and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, which will headline a DAZN show from Glendale, Arizona.