Michael Page books next fight at Bellator 179 in London

Bellator announced on Friday the next challenge for rising welterweight star Michael Page.

“MVP” will take on Derek Anderson at Bellator 179 in London, which features a main event matchup between Paul Daley and former UFC title challenger Rory MacDonald.

BREAKING! @Michaelpage247 vs @DerekBarbaric set for #Bellator179 in London! @spike pic.twitter.com/2AapeIVyzu

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 17, 2017

Page will look to add another win to his 12-0 undefeated record. Page has gained a big following with his flashy finishes and bright character. Page’s last performance was criticized by some in his split decision win over Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 165.

“Normally, I put on a show,” Page told MMA Fighting after his bout with Gonzalez. “People have high expectations. I had a bad day at the office.”

“When you’re working with someone being negative ten minutes of the fight, it’s very difficult to get anything off. In the last round, I was disappointed in not figuring out the timing. It was still a bad day at the office, but I won that fight two rounds to one.”

“I felt like I was chasing a headless chicken,” Page continued. “It was very difficult to get something off on someone being so negative. I landed a few jabs and a kick to pull him in. In the final round, when he was pressing, I didn’t get my timing off to where I could land the shot I wanted to land. That’s why I’m disappointed. But whoever that judge was who scored it 30-27 [for Gonzalez], don’t sit in that corner when I fight again.”

Anderson will look to bounce back from a loss to Derek Campos at Bellator 170. “The Barbaric” holds a 14-3-1 professional MMA record and is 5-3 in Bellator. Anderson holds two Bellator wins over former Bellator title challenger Patricky Freire.

Bellator 179 takes place on Friday, May 19 at SSE Arena.

Who are you picking to win this Bellator welterweight matchup? Sound off in the comment section!

This article first appeared on 2/17/2017.