Sam Patterson blocks out the noise ahead of Michael ‘Venom’ Page clash at UFC London

UFC welterweight Sam Patterson is unfazed by the buzz around his fight with Michael Venom Page, insisting he will remain the same no matter what.

The two Brits will go head to head at UFC London on March 21 as one of the top billed fights on the card. Team Crossface’s Sam Patterson will be challenging ‘MVP’ for a top 15 ranking at welterweight for the first time in his career.

Patterson says that the bright lights and the prospect of a number next to his name will not be enough to change him or his life.

He told us: “I won’t let it change. I’ve got good people around me and it’s just the next step in my journey. I’ll be top 15 in the world, certain things will change, but the people around me won’t. They won’t allow me to change. I’ve got Northern parents, they’ll keep me grounded, trust me.”

Both men come into the fight riding a wave of momentum.

Michael Venom Page is currently no.13 in the rankings and coming off victories at middleweight over division staple Jared Cannonier and Sharabutdin Magomedov. Page returns to welterweight for the first time since June 2024, where he lost to Ian Garry by decision.

Despite being unranked, Patterson comes in on a four fight win streak inside the UFC, with all four victories coming via first round stoppage. He also removed the likes of Danny Barlow from the ranks of the undefeated, consistently defying oddsmakers in the process.

The Crossface product aims to use the upcoming spotlight to continue building his name and reach an international audience.

“It’s two U.K. guys fighting each other, so the U.K. scene would definitely know more. But the more you win in the UFC, the more everyone gets to know you, so the aim is to just keep winning. The more I win, the more people recognise who I am.”

The four fight win streak is only aided by Patterson’s fighting style, which he believes should entice fans both old and new.

“I believe my style is entertaining. I go to finish, I’m not trying to ride out any decisions. I think I have one or two in my whole career. I think my style brings entertainment. Yes, I don’t talk a lot but I let my fighting do the talking.”

At this moment in time MVP is a pillar of UK MMA. A storied career in Bellator and a showreel of emphatic knockouts has helped his status as a fan favourite globally, leading to questions around how Patterson will fare in the fight.

When questioned about this, Patterson made it clear that the only voices he cares about are the ones residing next to him.

“I couldn’t care less. People are going to doubt you, hate on you – I really couldn’t care less. The people I care about are in this room and my family, they believe in me, support me. Everyone has an opinion but I couldn’t care less.”

Patterson vs. MVP will take place in front of a sold out O2 Arena and is placed only a fight away from the co-main event – all eyes will be on their bout.

March 21 will represent one of the biggest opportunities of Patterson’s career. The chance to steal every ounce of momentum MVP has built, along with the number next to his name.

Card placement does not matter to the man hailing from Watford, however. Patterson insisted that no matter how many rounds, or event slot, a fight is simply a fight.

“First fight of the night, last fight of the night – a fight’s a fight. There’s 15 minutes to go in there. There’s more fans around but I don’t see anything when I’m walking out there.

I could be in a car park or in front of 20,000 people, I’m focused on the job I have to do and winning is all I care about. Nerves, pressure, excitement. You have to stay level. You can’t get too high or too low.”

The O2 Arena hosted 18,583 ravenous fight-fans last year for Edwards vs. Brady.

Come fight night, when the cage door locks, not a single man or woman will matter to Patterson other than MVP. Only once he secures a victory will he appreciate his surroundings.

“I will be tunnel vision, I’ll be focused on the job I have to do – and that is taking out Michael Page. Nothing else matters to me. Once the job is done, then I will look around and take it in.”

Patterson will take on Michael ‘Venom’ Page at the O2 Arena on March 21 on the main card.