The Joe Rogan ExperienceJRE MMA Show #170 with Michael "Venom" Page
At a glance
WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT
Michael ‘Venom’ Page Breaks Down Point-Fighting’s Evolution In MMA
- Joe Rogan hosts Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) for a long-form conversation on how traditional point-fighting and unconventional striking have reshaped modern MMA. MVP explains his roots in point karate and kickboxing, how he transitioned into mixed martial arts, and why his elusive, unorthodox style is so hard to solve. They dive into grappling development, weight-cutting, fighter mentality, and the business of marketing yourself as an athlete. The episode also explores memorable fights, the psychology of competing under pressure, and MVP’s future ambitions in the UFC and beyond.
IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING
5 ideasPoint-fighting footwork and distance control can be a massive MMA advantage.
MVP and Rogan argue that elite point fighters bring a ‘fencing-like’ ability to close distance, hit, and escape without being touched—creating a style that most opponents have never seen or trained for, especially in a big cage where every round starts standing.
Unorthodox movement forces opponents out of their patterns and drains their gas tank.
By constantly feinting, switching rhythm, and offering angles that don’t fit normal boxing/Muay Thai patterns, MVP forces rivals to think instead of flow, which exhausts them mentally and physically even when nothing lands.
To succeed in MMA, strikers must solve grappling and takedown defense early.
MVP describes starting grappling at London Shootfighters, getting constantly submitted, and learning to love the process; Rogan stresses that wrestling and defensive grappling are essential foundations so your striking can actually be used.
Mental toughness and comfort with losing early are crucial to long-term growth.
MVP recalls years of getting “destroyed” as a kid while his siblings won everything, then a single breakthrough tournament flipped his performance; both he and Rogan argue that kids need real competition and the sting of losing to build resilience.
Fighters who don’t market themselves deliberately often get overlooked, regardless of skill.
MVP breaks down how he consciously designed his persona—nickname, walkouts, snake pose, catchphrases, celebrations—to be memorable, and urges other fighters to think of branding as another essential skill, not an afterthought.
WORDS WORTH SAVING
5 quotesPower only means something if you land. My whole element is not being touched.
— Michael “Venom” Page
Your style is exhausting because you always have to be at high alert. There’s no moment where you can catch your breath.
— Joe Rogan
I’m just making it seem a lot less difficult than it actually is. These guys are super talented fighters—I’m just not fighting on the same wavelength and timing.
— Michael “Venom” Page
When you win, in this competition specifically, you go into the grand championships… I beat everybody and got to the final. After that my dad could never tell me no again.
— Michael “Venom” Page
You are the product. As a professional, figure out how to market yourself.
— Michael “Venom” Page
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