Alexios III campaigned against him in the summer 1201 and defeated him, forcing Michael to seek refuge at the court of the Seljuk Turk Sultan of Rûm, Süleymanshah II (r. 1196–1204).
Alexios III berkampanye menentangnya pada musim panas 1201 dan mengalahkannya, memaksa Mikhael mencari perlindungan di istana Sultan Rûm Seljuk Turki,, Süleymanshah II (bertakhta 1196-1204).