With a highlight reel of devastating knockouts ranging from jumping knees to tornado kicks, and his viral celebrations channelling pop culture phenomena like Pokemon and The Avengers , Michael “Venom” Page is the epitome of showmanship in MMA. So it’s no surprise to see him headlining Saturday’s historic Bellator 248 card, when the promotion will become the first major MMA organisation to host a show in France. The 33-year-old English welterweight (17-1) takes on the formidable former Cage Warriors champ Ross “The Hitman” Houston (8-0) of Scotland. A born entertainer and one of the brightest jewels in Bellator’s crown, Page should arguably be an even bigger name on the world stage. It’s not just his personality, either – he’s a multiple-time world champion in kick-boxing and undefeated in boxing, and is signed to Paradigm Sports Management with the same agents as Conor McGregor. But in terms of superstar status, former UFC two-division champ McGregor is in a different league. One explanation, perhaps, is the level of competition “MVP” has faced – there’s a popular notion he’s built the bulk of his record by “crushing cans”. Page has a simple explanation. “It’s b ecause I make really good opponents look very mediocre,” he says. UFC: Jones rails at Nevada commission as debut win goes up in smoke “ Which is great entertainment-wise, and great for me as a fighter,” Page adds. “I’m able to keep really safe and still be devastating. But there’s a side effect to that, where people just don’t believe in the opponents that I have unless they’re really high, ‘name’ opponents.” Having gone undefeated for the first seven years of his career, the Londoner tasted defeat for the first time at Bellator 221 against welterweight champ Douglas Lima. Since then it’s been business as usual with three fights and three knockouts. Houston may still be in front of him in France, but Page made it quite clear he’s focused on one thing above all – a rematch with “The Phenom” Lima (32-7), who knocked him out in the second round in spectacular fashion. “That fight is the fight I want,” Page said. “I’m more interested in that fight than anything else. If Lima was to decide to stay in middleweight, then I’m going to meet him in middleweight. If he wants to move up to light heavy or heavyweight then I’m going to meet him there.” If he does get a chance at redemption and succeeds in beating the 32-year-old Brazilian the second time around his legacy would be secured. In the meantime, a piece of history awaits – aside from making its French foray, Bellator has also signed a deal with British television network the BBC, and this will be the first show aired on its OTT platform, BBC iPlayer. “Having the BBC on-board, we’re going to go out to way more people and you know how I feel about that,” Page said. “The more eyes that’s on me, the more I want to act out, shall I say, but in a very entertaining way. “So I’m definitely looking forward to this night. It’s definitely going to be history for the UK and for France.” The event is a reminder of just how young MMA is as a sport, and Bellator will be looking to make a splash. And If ever there was a fighter you can rely upon to deliver something extraordinary, it’s Page.