UFC 319: Michael Page post-fight interview
UFC 319 winner Michael Page spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier.
CHICAGO – To many, the idea of fighting dangerous striker Carlos Prates in his home country of Brazil might not be too appealing. However, it is for Michael Page.
Both Page and Prates competed and won at Saturday’s UFC 319 with Page outpointing veteran Jared Cannonier at 185 pounds, and Prates viciously knocking out Geoff Neal at welterweight. After Prates’s finish, the Brazilian called for a spot on the UFC Fight Night event scheduled to go down in Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 11, which UFC CEO Dana WHite said he’d grant. The missing piece here is a willing dance partner, but Page is more than willing to fill that role.
“100 percent, 100 percent,” Page said at the UFC 319 post-fight press conference when asked if he’d be down to fight Prates. “You’re not hitting me with that spinning elbow, I’m telling you that right now. But yeah, 100 percent, that’s a great fight. It’s those kinds of fights that I want, those kinds of fights I’m calling on. If he’s happy, I’ll happily put my hand up, and I would love to go to Brazil. I’ve had fans in Brazil for many years. I remember being called the ‘U.K. Anderson Silva,’ which is a massive compliment. I have a load of fans in Brazil, and I still haven’t managed to get over there.”
Although the event is not too far away, that’s no problem for Page. Despite fighting the full 15 minutes, unlike Prates, who got a first-round finish, Page said he’s healthy and ready to prep for a fight.
“No damage – no real damage,” Page said. “A little sore leg slightly, but that’s normal when people try to go for your legs and stuff, kicking your legs. Nothing. I’ll be fine in a week. That sounds good to me.”
