Britain’s Michael ‘Venom’ Page outpointed Kevin Holland in an entertaining welterweight debut at UFC 299 in Miami, Florida.
Londoner Page, 36, combined his signature kickboxing, distance control and showboating to beat American Holland, 31, by unanimous decision.
Former Bellator star Page was competing in the UFC for the first time in his 23-fight career.
“This is where I’m supposed to be,” said Page.
“I’ve got a little more – well, a lot of work to do – but anyone who doubted I’m supposed to be here can see that for themselves.”
Page, nicknamed MVP, was a slight underdog heading into the bout at the Kaseya Centre, but Holland had few answers to his elusive footwork and slick in-and-out striking style.
Page signed with the UFC in December after his contract with Bellator came to an end, where he earned 16 wins in 18 fights.
He opted to join the UFC while declining offers from multiple promotions, adding pre-fight he wanted to grow his legacy in the organisation before targeting an all-British bout with welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
Page displayed the showmanship he is known for during his walkout, paying tribute to former WWE star The Undertaker and appearing in a hooded black robe, before dancing the rest of the way towards the octagon.
With his hands-down, bouncing stance, Page delivered an array of strikes on Holland in the first round, including a big straight right hand, a body kick and a spinning back elbow.
Between rounds Holland could be heard telling his corner “he’s faster than we thought” as he continued to struggle to land on Page, with his best moment coming from a takedown midway through the contest.
With Page continuing to find a home for his attacks while moving in and out of danger, his confidence grew and he started to showboat, much to the annoyance of Holland who mimicked Page’s demeanour late in the fight out of frustration.
But the fighters would embrace, shaking hands and sharing words as the final bell rang, before Page was declared the winner.