Tensions between Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Ian Machado Garry are rising ahead of their big welterweight fight at UFC 303 on June 29.
Ian Machado Garry made it clear that he wanted to compete on the undercard of Conor McGregor‘s UFC comeback at UFC 303 on International Fight Week, and originally campaigned for a fight against Colby Covington.
Covington turned down the opportunity, though, leaving Garry’s place on the card in jeopardy. Despite that, the UFC managed to match Garry up in a blockbuster fight against Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
Page was successful in his UFC debut this past March at UFC 299, dominating Kevin Holland over a three-round decision. Before ‘MVP’s’ fight, Garry claimed that there was ‘no way’ he’d beat Holland, shutting down a potential future fight.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page makes comical ‘BBL’ comparison of Garry as tensions begin to rise
After the Irishman was so adamant that the 37-year-old wouldn’t get through Holland, once their fight was announced, Page took the opportunity to remind Garry of his failed prediction in a video posted to social media.
Not only that, but the Londoner has gone on to talk about the undefeated prospect in a recent interview on The MMA Hour, making a hilarious comparison.
“I think he d*** rides Conor McGregor.” Page began. “He’s kind of like the fake version of Conor McGregor. If Conor McGregor was a natural pretty woman, he’s like the BBL version that’s just a bad BBL version. BBL Garry.” MVP called the Irishman.
The 26-year-old has always credited McGregor for his success, stating that ‘The Notorious’ is the reason he got into the sport in the first place. ‘MVP’, though, believes ‘The Future’ is trying too hard to grab onto the coattails of McGregor.
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“It feels like he’s just trying to grab onto the coattails of Conor because for me it doesn’t bother me either way (competing on UFC 303 or not), obviously being on a card with Conor is amazing yes, we know there’s going to be loads of eyes, but I love to create my own shine.
“It doesn’t bother me either way, I can be on the worst card in the world and if I’m on it, I’m going to bring eyes, I’m going to make noise, I’m going to do big things, I don’t need anybody else but for him, I think he’s trying the fast routes to the top and fast routes to fame.” Page added.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page believes Ian Garry comes across as ‘fake’ and ‘forced’
Despite stating that he has no animosity towards Garry, the 37-year-old did admit that he feels as though Garry comes across as ‘fake’ and ‘forced’, and he is excited to ‘derail the hype’ on June 29.
“I’m looking forward to derailing this hype.” Page stated. “His antics, again, it just feels a bit fake and feels a bit forced, something that I’ve said about Colby (Covington) before as well, I think trying too hard I don’t believe that’s his personality, but he’s trying to create too much attention whether it’s negative or not.”
Although Page is only ranked 13th in the 170lb division, this fight could potentially determine who fights for the welterweight title next. The Brit has previously stated his desire to fight current champion, Leon Edwards, at a stadium show in the UK.
Edwards defends his strap against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, just under a month after Page’s UFC 303 fight, meaning that timing could play into ‘Venom’s’ favor if he is victorious.
Despite that, Conor McGregor will likely jump to the front of the queue with a win at welterweight, as both he and ‘Rocky’ have hinted at a potential matchup if both win their respective fights.
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