UFC fighter Michael “Venom” Page is eyeing an all-Europe battle for his next fight, possibly against Ian Garry, as he aims to secure a title in the UFC.
Michael “Venom” Page has his eyes set on a Europe-centric showdown for his next UFC bout. He’s fresh off a victorious UFC debut, having unanimously outclassed Kevin Holland at UFC 299.
Page, a Bellator veteran, entered the UFC already a fan favorite. Now, with a UFC win to his name, he’s hoping to step into the octagon on home turf. The UFC’s rumored return to England in July could be the perfect stage for an England vs. Ireland rivalry.
Page has a particular opponent in mind. “Looking at the rankings, Ian [Machado] Garry seems like the logical choice,” Page shared on The MMA Hour. Garry had previously dismissed Page’s chances against Holland, a slight that Page hasn’t forgotten. “He was very dismissive. But hey, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. No need to get angry. Now that I’ve beaten Kevin, maybe he’d like to try and stop me?”
A UK-based fight would be perfect, Page believes. “It would create a lot of buzz. Plus, he’s ranked seventh, and seven’s my lucky number.”
Garry’s recent actions and comments outside the cage have stirred up some controversy. But Page sees this as a potential advantage. “It could help build interest,” he says.
“He’s a great fighter,” Page acknowledges. “He’s sparked a lot of emotional reactions with his personality and performances. But I believe I can beat him. So why not?”
Garry’s last fight was at UFC 298, where he narrowly defeated Geoff Neal. Page admits it wasn’t Garry’s best performance, but it doesn’t dampen his interest. However, Garry’s been eyeing a fight with former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. If that happens, Page might be left hanging.
But Page isn’t worried. He’s not fixated on specific fights. During his time in Bellator, he never won a title, something he attributes to a lack of focus. Now, in the UFC, he’s got his sights set on the belt.
“I was pretty nonchalant about winning the belt in Bellator,” Page admits. “I was just enjoying myself, fighting. But now, I want the belt.”
Page believes being more specific about his intentions will help him reach his goals. “I want the title over here,” he asserts. “In Bellator, I was like, ‘Eh, if I get the title, I don’t care. I just want exciting fights.’ I delivered exciting fights but never got the title. Now, I want exciting fights, exciting knockouts, and the belt. There’s a difference.”