Ian Machado Garry is set to fight Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303 but remains uninterested in the matchup, feeling it doesn’t advance his goal of becoming a world champion despite his thorough preparation and confidence in his abilities.
Ian Machado Garry is just days away from his return at UFC 303. Yet, he’s still not all that intrigued by his upcoming fight against Michael “Venom” Page.
After campaigning for weeks to land a fight against three-time UFC title challenger Colby Covington on June 29, the matchup never actually came together. Instead, Garry was offered a showdown against Page, the longtime Bellator standout who won his UFC debut against Kevin Holland this past March.
While Page has plenty of credentials outside of the UFC, Garry hoped he would get a higher-ranked opponent that would put him on the cusp of title contention.
“I’m still not interested in it,” Garry said about the fight with Page on The MMA Hour. “I have no interest in it. I’ve told you. Here’s the way I look at it: I’m undefeated, I’ve beaten everybody put in front of me in the best way I believe I can and I go out there and I get my hand raised any way, shape and form possible. That is my job."
"When I do that, I fight up because my goal is to be the world champion," he continued. "I’m looking at the guys above me. There’s six or seven guys ahead of me."
"There’s Gilbert [Burns], there’s Shavkat [Rakhmonov], there’s Jack Della Maddalena, there’s Colby [Covington], there’s [Kamaru] Usman, Belal [Muhammad] and Leon [Edwards]. All I’ve done in my career is win."
"I deserve to fight one of those guys," Garry asserted. "I have to fight one of those guys because that is my projection. I’m on a projection to be one of the world champions."
"I’m on a projection to be one of the biggest stars the sport’s ever seen," he added emphatically. "I have no interest in fighting below me."
"I’ve already fought [No.] 15 in the world, 10 in the world, 8 in the world," he elaborated further. "Why on Earth would I want to fight No. 13? I still have no interest in fighting Michael."
Admitting his lack of excitement over the upcoming fight might seem like Garry is setting himself up for disaster because Page has more overall experience and he’s earned his reputation as a lethal striker.
As much as he may not be hyping up his UFC 303 opponent, Garry promises he’s left nothing to chance in his preparation and plans to execute his game plan come Saturday night.
“When I say it to you,” Garry explained, “I kind of want to realign my focus and everything like that.” He continued: “The shift of energies for me and the shift of focus is when I get that belt wrapped around my waist.”
Garry emphasized: “I’m going to be fighting whoever people believe is next best guy worthy of that title shot.” Whether ranked No.1 or No.9.
“So this is the first time,” he noted with determination, “I’m stepping into an octagon with that championship mentality.” His mission? To prove superiority.
“There’s a reason you’re ranked below me,” he stated confidently. “There’s a reason why everyone talks about me from before my Cage Warriors debut.”
Garry’s assessment about Page isn’t all that different from many fighters who called him out when competing in Bellator.
The narrative built around Page suggests protection from elite competition while padding his record with highlight-reel victories over lesser opponents.
When facing stiffer opponents? He suffered a brutal knockout by Douglas Lima (later avenging via narrow decision), fell in lackluster decision loss to Logan Storley but won other fights including UFC debut against Holland.
“MVP was used smartly by Bellator,” Garry said bluntly. “We understand this kid can talk and sell fights.”
“They gave him easy opponents,” Garry claimed further, allowing him brand-building opportunities through knockouts over weaker competition.
“But when you look at him against Paul Daley or Ross Houston?” He paused for effect before continuing: “Or Logan Storley…or twice against Douglas Lima?”
“Sure he’s looked great because he’s talented,” admitted Garry reluctantly but pointed out: “But hasn’t dominated them as expected.”
Garry promises an awakening for Page come Saturday night—reminding him there are levels beyond facing bums waiting for knockouts.
“Now he’s here,” declared Garry about Page’s current situation—facing someone younger & more talented across every facet than ever imagined possible!
“It’s my job,” concluded Garry resolutely—to show why highly ranked & talked-about even pre-Cage Warriors debut due talent & hard work invested thus far!
“Saturday night June 29th?” He reiterated passionately—proving himself against biggest opponent yet; biggest name fought; biggest card participated!