sport news Logan Storley finds the antidote to Michael 'Venom' Page at Bellator 281 trends now
Michael 'Venom' Page fell painfully short in his bid for the Bellator interim welterweight title against Logan Storley on Friday night.
MVP almost guarantees fireworks but the American drenched them here over five forgettable rounds at the SSE Arena.
The Brit is a deadly striker and made his rival look almost amateurish at times, until Storley, a decorated collegiate wrestler, managed to bring the fight into his world on the ground.
Logan Storley executed his gameplan in enemy territory to come away with a win
Even after what seemed like 25 minutes of relatively one-way traffic, one judge still saw it for the Londoner and the final scorecards read 48-47, 47-48, 49-46.
'Boo me all you want,' said the victor. 'Look what happens when you stand with that guy.' He then changed his mind and said: 'Don't boo me! See you on the way up.
'His speed and distance is awkward and he's so dynamic and I had to do what I had to do.'
In the first, MVP bounced on his toes with his hands down in that typical style of his. If you could only see the silhouette, it would still be instantly recognisable.
But Storley wisely shot for a takedown, grabbed an ankle, a toe, anything he could to avoid the stand-up battle.
The American spend the remainder of the first latched on like a leach but without advancing position or causing much damage.
Page's resistance lasted longer in the second. He waggled a disapproving finger at Storley after a clumsy takedown attempt had the wrestler grasping at air.
But Storley then found the target and ended the round in a dominant position while managing to land a handful of strong shots.
It took 90 seconds of the third for the pattern to be repeated. MVP came out with more urgency, aware that the rounds
