This is one of the most intriguing stylistic matchups on the UFC Paris card. Page enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak, having defeated Shara Magomedov, Jared Cannonier, and Sam Patterson while showcasing some of the best technical striking in the division.
Ruziboev, meanwhile, has quietly become one of the UFC’s most dangerous finishers. The Uzbek standout owns 34 finishes in 37 victories and has proven capable of ending fights with either his hands or his grappling.
Michael Venom Page
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Sam Patterson – Unanimous Decision
Win. Jared Cannonier – Unanimous Decision
Win. Sharabutdin “Shara Bullet” Magomedov – Unanimous Decision
Strengths
Elite striking accuracy
Exceptional footwork and movement
Outstanding range control
Fast counters and timing
Difficult to hit cleanly
High-level fight IQ
Riding a three-fight winning streak
Weaknesses
Limited offensive wrestling
Can be outworked by relentless pressure fighters
At times too cautious offensively
Approaching the latter stages of his career at 39 years old
Most recent UFC wins have gone the distance
Keys to Victory
Maintain distance throughout the fight
Use lateral movement to frustrate Ruziboev
Counter aggressively when Ruziboev rushes forward
Avoid clinch exchanges and scrambles
Force Ruziboev to fight at long range
Control the tempo from the outside
Nursulton Ruziboev
Last 3 Bouts
Win. Andrey Pulyaev – Technical Submission (Neck Crank, Round 1)
Win. Dustin Stoltzfus – Unanimous Decision
Win. Eric McConico – TKO (Right Hook, Round 2)
Strengths
Exceptional finishing ability
Dangerous submission game
Heavy punching power
Massive size for the division
Aggressive pace
Ability to end fights in multiple ways
21 submission victories and 13 knockout wins in his career
Weaknesses
Defensive striking can be inconsistent
Has struggled against elite technical strikers
Most career losses have come by decision
Can become reckless when chasing finishes
Less polished technically than Page on the feet
Keys to Victory
Cut off the cage effectively
Force Page toward the fence
Mix striking with clinch entries
Turn the fight into a physical battle
Create scrambling situations
Push a pace that prevents Page from getting comfortable
Odds
Michael Page -170
Nursulton Ruziboev +142
