UFC fighter Ian Machado Garry has declined a match with Michael “Venom” Page, stating he only wants to fight opponents ranked higher than him, and is currently focused on his feud with top 5 ranked Colby Covington.
Ian Machado Garry? Yeah, he’s got his eyes on the prize. Climbing the ranks is his game, everything else can take a backseat.
You might’ve heard about Michael “Venom” Page, the fresh UFC recruit and ex-Bellator sensation. He’s been yapping about a face-off with Garry. Why? Well, he was on The MMA Hour, and he reckons it’s a good match since Garry had predicted Page would bomb in his first UFC bout.
But guess what? Page shut the naysayers up with a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland.
Garry? He’s not impressed. He’s only interested in fighters who are above him in the rankings.
“No, his number’s not higher than mine,” Garry told Sky Sports when asked about squaring off with Page. “I want to be the best in the world and unless your number is higher than mine, I’m not interested.”
Garry’s clear. “Unless he surpasses me in the division and his number is higher than mine, zero interest,” he added.
Right now, Garry is No. 8 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Page is trailing at No. 14.
Garry’s earned his spot with a flawless pro record, including seven UFC victories. His recent wins? Ranked welterweights Geoff Neal and Neil Magny.
Page? He’s got a few memorable knockouts from his 10-year Bellator stint. He’s got a name, sure, but that’s not enough to pique Garry’s interest.
“I’m glad he punched out Kevin Holland,” Garry said. “That guy talks a lot of smack as well and that just proves that he’s not good enough to be in the top 10.”
Garry admitted, “I did [think Page would lose.] I said I don’t think he beats him, but yeah, he surprised me. Well done.”
What’s really on Garry’s mind? His ongoing feud with Colby Covington. Despite Covington’s recent struggles, he’s still holding a top 5 spot in the UFC’s official rankings. And that’s a number Garry is itching to claim, especially with their verbal war likely to escalate.
Garry’s got his sights set on Covington’s ranking, but he also likes the matchup because he sees it as a sure win.
“There’s no way, shape, or form, or universe that I lose this fight,” Garry said. “I’m going to punch the mouth off Colby Covington.”