Back in September 2024, Carlos Prates was chasing a ghost. In a post on social media at the time, he wrote, “I heard that the company wants to give me @michaelvenompage, but he doesn’t answer the phone. You must be having nightmares by now!” Back then, it sounded like a fighter fishing for a big name. After all, Prates had just flattened Li Jingliang at UFC 305, his third straight knockout, third straight bonus. Confidence was sky-high.

And now? The name Michael ‘Venom’ Page is seemingly circling back with force. According to a recent update on X by ‘Octagon Pulse’, “Breaking News: Carlos Prates vs Michael Venom Page is officially signed for #UFC320.” No sources. No confirmation. Just enough chaos to split fans in two. So, what’s really going on?

UFC 320 is reportedly set for September 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The card is still under wraps, and the UFC and Dana White haven’t confirmed a single matchup at the time of writing. But if this fight does happen, it would pit two of the most creative strikers in the division against each other. Still, some fans aren’t buying it. The rumor smells a little too sweet.

There’s also history between the pair, as in a previous conversation with ‘Sherdog’, Prates had explained, “You know the first time he lost to Douglas Lima? I was a sparring partner of Douglas. I was doing like ‘MVP’ and Douglas was doing his game.” The Douglas Lima- Michael Page clash took place at Bellator 221 in 2019, where ‘Venom’ was KOed in round 2. As such, Prates continued by sharing, “Douglas and his coach came to Thailand and we trained all together. So it’s kind of, I know the way to knock the guy out.”

Is this clash real? Is it smart? Or is it a recipe for disaster? The fans had their own thoughts on the rumor, and here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!

Rumors of a Michael ‘Venom’ Page matchup send the MMA sphere into a frenzy

One fan wrote, “Horrific matchup for Prates. U thought Garry’s stick and move was bad. Just wait.” At UFC on ESPN 66, Carlos Prates took on Ian Garry in the main event. Although ‘The Nightmare’ put up a good fight, Garry’s movement was the clear difference maker as he danced around the Octagon and picked away at Prates from range. The night ended with a unanimous decision loss for the ‘Fighting Nerds’ member. So, when it comes to a matchup against Michael Page? He can do all that and still knock you out!

The biggest ‘if factor’ is the issue that the UFC and Dana White haven’t yet confirmed the bout. So one skeptical fan asked, “What’s your source, buddy? I’ve heard nothing about this.” Fair question. With no official matchups yet announced for UFC 320, many are pumping the brakes before jumping on the hype train.

Still, win or lose, there’s no denying the entertainment factor. Another chimed in with, “If true, should be a fun fight!” Both fighters are dynamic, and surprisingly, both have losses to Ian Garry on their record. Although Page bounced back with a win over Sharaputdin Magomedov earlier this year, the fight with Prates might give him another surge of momentum! What do you think?

One more added, “MVP 100% no doubt. This guy can win against any striker in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.” During his time in Bellator, Michael Page boasted an eye-catching 59% KO/TKO rate. Since entering the UFC, he’s sharpened his already deadly skill set. And after the Magomedov win, some believe he can hang with the best, anywhere, anytime.

And finally, one fan requested, “If this is true, save it for the DDP vs. Chimaev card. We need to beef that one up.” UFC 319 features Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight crown against the Chechen juggernaut, Khamzat Chimaev. As such, adding a matchup like Prates vs Page would definitely boost the hype for the already highly anticipated card!

No matter where this rumored fight lands, whether in Guadalajara or on another blockbuster card, it has already lit a fire in the fanbase. Some see it as a mismatch. Others can’t wait to see the chaos unfold. But one thing’s clear: when a striker like Carlos Prates dares to chase down a puzzle like Michael ‘Venom’ Page, sparks are bound to fly. Will the UFC and Dana White make it official soon, or is this just smoke with no fire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!