Michael ‘Venom’ Page believes that Ian Machado Garry has been out of character ahead of their UFC 303 fight. The surging Irish welterweight had campaigned for other viable options. However, with everyone ranking above him either injured or unavailable, he chose lower-ranked ‘Venom.’ Now, their high-striking mettle promises a mouthwatering matchup.
Garry, the new signing at Charles Oliveira‘s Chute Boxing, often touts himself to be the “disruptor” of UFC. He even models himself after Irish peer Conor McGregor. A main point of his campaigning for UFC 303 was to feature on McGregor’s undercard, who he deeply respects. With McGregor out, ‘The Future’ is expected to maintain his polarizing confidence. Page, however, notices a change.
There’s definitely a lot of respect there – he even sounds a lot more respectful than he has with any other fighters in terms of his promotion and stuff...think he’s just trying to promote and make some noise in the build-up of the fight...He doesn’t seem to be his usual self.Michael ‘Venom’ Page to MMA Junkie’s Farah Hannoun, UFC 303 Pre-Fight Interview
The 26-year-old Irishman has often given in to the “McGregor” effect and taken digs at peers. However, Garry has been on the backfoot ever since things got personal, with others targeting his wife and children. Michael ‘Venom’ Page does not mind, though. The Englishman is an all-time entertainer himself, but he knows that all that matters remains the fight night.
Page (22-2 MMA and 17-2 Bellator; 1-0 UFC) last earned a unanimous nod over Kevin Holland at his UFC 299 debut. With quite a visible size discrepancy and with Garry upping his grapple game at Chute Boxing, the road ahead will be tough. While MVP recognizes the talent, he doesn’t consider it overtly unique or dangerous. Moreover, he trusts his hype to get it done.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page is unconcerned about Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from UFC 303
Page is a recent honorific introduction to the latest UFC welterweight rankings. He partakes in his second outing at UFC 303. If he can raise his hand against No. 7-ranking Ian Garry, he will be on a strong path to a title opportunity. Consequently, MVP has some plans for that.
One thing that could have worked more in Michael ‘Venom’ Page’s favor would have been to undercard ‘The Notorious.’ It is a common blueprint among top-rank fighters; McGregor’s return went on to make $20 million in gate pre-sales when it was still a thing. However, the 37-year-old is not worried about UFC 303 losing its main attraction.
To be fair, for me, I've never really cared either way, ...As a fan, it would be good to see Conor McGregor perform and see him back. … But separately, I'm on my own journey. I don't need anybody's hype to sell mine. I think I'm very well-known in the game now. People know what I come with.Michael ‘Venom’ Page to Kevin Iole (@KevinIole) of Yahoo Sports
On disappointment with the headliner change, ‘Venom’ insisted he doesn’t need big names to boost his stock or interest in his fights. Additionally, he expects the same from Ian Garry (14-0 MMA and 7-0 UFC). As such, their UFC 303 battle can prove to be quite an interesting one.
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