Strikers open up the main card of UFC 303.
They’re not just any strikers, however, as the flashy Michael “Venom” Page battles controversial contender Ian Machado Garry in a key matchup at welterweight.
Page, 37, looks to capitalize on a successful UFC debut, made against Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in March and make up for lost time in the promotion after a decade spent fighting in Bellator MMA.
Ireland’s Garry, on the other hand, has won seven-straight in the Octagon to be ranked #7 in the UFC Welterweight division. The undefeated fighter’s resume includes wins over Geoff Neal, Neil Magny and Daniel Rodriguez.
Page vs. Machado Garry takes place from the T-Mobile Arena with the winner leaving Las Vegas with an even higher ranking.
Round 1:
MVP pressures Garry early, bouncing back-and-forth testing his range. MVP moves in for a combo that partially lands. MVP goes for a headkick but loses his balance in the process with Garry using it to his advantage, toppling him on the ground. MVP tries to get back up using the cage but is controlled by Garry. Garry takes MVP’s back. Garry secures the body triangle and attempt s a rear-naked choke. MVP fights the hands, fending off the submission, however, he’s not out of the woods yet with Garry on his back. Garry rains down shots from this position and MVP survives to see the end of the round.
Round 2:
Page goes to work on the legs of Garry with kicks. Garry returns with a right hand. Garry closes the distance with MVP by entering the clinch, looking for a takedown against the cage. Page defends well, though Garry controls MVP with the referee wanting more activity from the Irishman. Garry goes down to the ground attempting a knee bar with MVP getting out of it MVP tags Garry with punches, getting his attention. MVP fires a flying knee which doesn’t land. MVP continues to land at will to the head of Garry, landing a stunning right hand before the end of the round.
Round 3:
Garry fires a leg kick. MVP topples Garry in a scramble from a clinch. Page maintains top control with Garry getting the body triangle from bottom, limiting his movement and ability to advance position. Garry scoots back on the ground and then on to his feet. MVP works the jab a couple times before Garry gets the prolific striker down to the ground. Garry secures the back of MVP like a backpack with MVP trying to let him off gradually. That doesn’t happen with Garry finishing the round on top.
Official result: Ian Garry defeats Michael Page via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check out the highlights below:
https://x.com/ufc/status/1807244115089797176
