Michael Page (photo via Bellator)

By FCF Staff

Although Michael Page handed Paul Daley a defeat last night at Bellator 216, in their long-awaited grudge match, “MVP” hopes to battle his rival again.

The headlining fight, which served as a quarterfinal in Bellator’s welterweight grand-prix, did not deliver the striking fireworks people expected. After a lackluster first round, Daley began turning to his wrestling and top game. Although he was able to take Page down several times, he wasn’t able to do much damage with the position. Page was ultimately awarded the unanimous decision win.

While speaking the media afterward, the British fighter had this to say about the victory (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“It’s out of the way, but in all honesty, it’s not done,” Page said. “I’m somewhat happy, obviously getting a win. But the way it finished, I’m not happy with. And it might mean actually bringing this fight to the U.K. in the future.”

“I’m not happy with my performance,” he added. “I’m proud of myself because it wasn’t a physical battle in there – it was a mental battle. It’s been very difficult since Christmas, and just being able to even train for this fight and just being here and getting in the cage has been extremely difficult. So I’m proud of myself for doing it, but still not happy with the performance.”

“…I told you guys he was a bitch. He talked all this stuff about being able to knock me out and he ran the whole first round. And then all he wanted to do was play ground work – play wrestling.”

Page will now face former champ Douglas Lima in a grand-prix semifinal bout on May 11th.