Scott Coker thinks Michael Page’s time away from the cage was the main factor in his sub-par performance on Saturday.
Page (18-1 MMA, 14-1 BMMA) picked up a unanimous decision over the formerly unbeaten Ross Houston in the main event of Bellator 248 in Paris and the highlight-reel knockout artist wasn’t satisfied with his showing.
He said he had to change his fighting style due to the slippery canvas, which prevented him from attempting to register another of his typically spectacular finishes.
But Coker thinks that Page, who hasn’t competed since last December, didn’t look his best due to the almost year-long layoff.
“MVP had an off night,” Coker told reporters following the dual-card event in Paris. “That’s the bottom line, and I think part of it is due to inactivity which is part of the whole COVID situation and we just couldn’t fight him and now that he was able to fight, we want to keep him busy because we think – listen, he’s one of the most talented MMA fighters out there. He’s got a very unique style, but don’t underestimate this guy. I know he said something about the ring mat or something, but I think most of that was ring rust and Houston is no joke.
“He’s a world champion from another league with an undefeated record so don’t underestimate him. I think he’s somebody that had his way with a lot of athletes, I think that MVP respected him, had to be careful. To me, it looked like two counter fighters there, trying to counter fight each other, trying to counter-punch or counter-kick and MVP felt like he couldn’t do his thing. I think there’s some truth to the mat – I’ll have to look into that, I’m not sure – but I think most of that was probably ring rust.”
Despite Page not being happy with his performance against Houston, he has won four straight since suffering his first loss to Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima and would still love the opportunity to avenge his loss.
You can watch the full interview with Coker in the video above.
Scott Coker blames inactivity for Michael Page’s ‘off night’ at Bellator 248
