Joe Rogan Delivers Scathing Verdict on UFC London's 'Crazy Bad' Fight
Prominent UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan has launched a fierce critique of one particular bout from this year's UFC London event, labelling it as potentially containing "the least action of any fight ever" and branding the contest "crazy bad". The event, which marked the UFC's return to London's O2 Arena on Saturday, saw Michael "Venom" Page secure a decision victory over his former training partner, Sam Patterson, in a fight that disappointed many spectators.
Rogan's Podcast Rant Against Lacklustre Contest
Although not serving as an official commentator for the broadcast, Rogan recorded a fight-companion podcast where he extensively criticised the welterweight matchup. "This might be the least action of any fight ever, next to Derrick Lewis and Francis Ngannou," Rogan stated, drawing a direct comparison to a notoriously uneventful heavyweight clash from 2018. He elaborated, "This is crazy bad, that's a crazy bad fight," before analysing the tactical stalemate that unfolded.
Rogan suggested that Patterson's intimate familiarity with Page's unique, flashy striking style—forged through numerous shared training sessions—created a significant disadvantage for entertainment value. "It's literally the last guy you want to fight a style like [Page's], someone who understands it," Rogan argued. "I bet it was one of those situations where not many fighters were eager to accept that bout, because Page has a history of making opponents look foolish. But this guy knew exactly how to handle it."
Page's Frustration and UFC President's Agreement
In the lead-up to the event, Michael Page had openly expressed his dissatisfaction with being matched against Patterson, a fellow Englishman and former training partner. The 38-year-old Londoner, widely known by his "MVP" moniker, had hoped to face a ranked contender to bolster his position within the UFC's competitive welterweight division. Page, who built a formidable reputation for spectacular knockouts during his tenure in Bellator before joining the UFC in 2024, has yet to secure a knockout victory inside the octagon.
UFC president and CEO Dana White echoed Rogan's negative assessment during the post-fight press conference. "I mean, I didn't think it was a great fight either," White admitted. "It was a bad fight. I don't know. He won, so we'll see what's next." Page's professional record in the UFC now stands at four wins and one loss, with notable victories over Kevin Holland, Shara Magomedov, and former title challenger Jared Cannonier, alongside his sole defeat to Ian Machado Garry in 2024.
Broader Implications for Page's Fighting Style
Rogan further speculated that the tactical, cautious nature of the bout could have longer-term consequences for Michael Page's career. "I think it's bad for [Page], it's not good," Rogan opined. "But also, here's the problem: now people know how to fight him. Other fighters will watch that tape and think: 'Oh, just don't engage. Make him come to you.'" This analysis highlights a potential strategic vulnerability that future opponents might seek to exploit, potentially forcing Page to adapt his typically aggressive, highlight-reel approach.
UFC London Main and Co-Main Event Results
Beyond the Page-Patterson bout, the UFC London card featured significant action in its headline fights. In the main event, Manchester's Lerone Murphy suffered a controversial decision loss to Movsar Evloev, a result that appears to have cost Murphy a potential title shot against featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski. The co-main event saw Liverpool's Luke Riley earn a decision victory over Michael Aswell Jr. in another featherweight contest, with Riley being walked to the octagon by his friend and teammate, popular lightweight Paddy Pimblett.
