Ian Machado Garry extended his unbeaten MMA record to 18-0 with a unanimous decision victory over Michael Page at UFC 303, and he now aims to challenge Shavkat Rakhmonov as he continues his ascent in the welterweight ranks.
Like it or not, Ian Machado Garry remains perfect in his MMA career.
The 26-year-old Irishman won a back-and-forth battle over Michael Page on Saturday at UFC 303. This victory extended his unbeaten octagon run to 8-0. While Page found success in striking, Garry showcased his grappling skills. He edged out the first and third rounds and nearly caught Page with a tight rear-naked choke attempt in the bout’s opening minutes.
After winning a decision by unanimous 29-28 scores, Garry reflected on his handiwork.
“I’m f*cking pissed I didn’t land that submission in the first round,” he said at UFC 303’s post-fight press conference. “I am, I’m livid. But you know what? I showed so much evolution today. I frustrated him. Like, I snake-charmed the snake-charmer.”
“He likes people to do that dance with him, to move, to keep that flow, that rhythm,” Garry continued. “He works well off that rhythm, that timing. I hit him with stealth mode. Walked him down, preyed on him.”
“He didn’t have a lot of success; neither did I on the feet,” he added. “I wobbled him in the second round with a right hand; saw his eyes go and thought, ‘Patience.’ Been saying all week — told Demian [Maia], Diego [Lima], everyone on my team: The key to beating Michael ‘Venom’ Page was patience.”
Though somewhat polarizing for MMA fans, Garry (18-0) continues climbing the welterweight ranks. His UFC wins over Daniel Rodriguez, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and now Page have carried him close to title contention.
Before facing Page, Garry campaigned heavily for a bout against three-time title challenger Colby Covington. After UFC 303? He has a new target — one few welterweights dare call out.
“Look,” Garry said, “I’m going to chat with Hunter [Campbell] and Dana [White] later and figure out what’s next.” He mentioned some big names and cool matchups but zeroed in on Shavkat Rakhmonov: “18-0, undefeated — I’d love to get my hands on him.”
Garry respects Rakhmonov but wants to be the first to take his ‘0’. “Just beat the fastest guy in the division other than me,” he stated confidently.
Rakhmonov is tied with former champion Kamaru Usman as MMA Fighting’s No. 2 ranked welterweight globally. Known as one of the top threats to UFC’s 170-pound title? He’s finished every professional bout he’s had.
As fate would have it? Rakhmonov quickly responded to Garry’s callout.
“Looks like Ian forgot what happened during those training sessions,” Rakhmonov wrote online. “I don’t mind reminding him in the future.”
Looks like Ian forgot what happened during those training sessions. I don’t mind reminding him in the future.https://t.co/B4a7GesXp4
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) June 30, 2024
A win over someone like Rakhmonov could propel Garry towards that long-coveted title shot. Confidently? He believes it’s only a matter of when — not if — it happens.
“I am on my road to destiny,” said Garry emphatically. “To be one of the greatest of all time.” He added: “By any means necessary; don’t care how it gets done.”
In ten years’ time? He envisions himself in GOAT conversations alongside legends like Jon Jones and GSP [Georges St-Pierre]. “You’re gonna say Jon Jones… Anderson Silva… Ian Machado Garry.” As long as his name’s there? Successful career achieved.