If Michael ‘Venom’ Page catches Ian Machado Garry on the chin, it’s over.
That comes according to perennial welterweight contender Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson who recently offered his take on the upcoming clash between former Bellator MMA standout ‘MVP’ and the No. 7 ranked Garry.
“Both of these guys are at the highest level, especially when it comes to the striking game,’ Thompson said on his Youtube channel. “Now, is it smart for Ian Garry to go out there and just strike with ‘MVP?’ I don’t think so,” Thompson said. “I don’t think he’s on the same level as Michael ‘Venom’ Page, especially when it comes to the distance management, the blitzing, the speed.
“I think Michael ‘Venom’ Page is really, really fast, very accurate, and very versatile. But I think Ian Garry is a very intelligent fighter.”
Ian Garry to MVP: “Saturday night, you’re f*cked!” 🗣️
More #UFC303 presser highlights on @MiddleEasy 🎥https://t.co/RkcS3mntim pic.twitter.com/PQwET1B9qu
— Christopher De Santiago (@Chris_DSantiago) June 28, 2024
Thompson believes Garry’s best chance to leave UFC 303 with a win will be by mixing up his attack and using his grappling game to wear on Page as the fight reaches the later rounds.
“If I was him, I would be mixing it up. Not just striking, but obviously working my grappling, trying to lay and hang on this guy against the fence if I can…just to try and somehow fatigue this guy,” Thompson continued. “I’m definitely leaning towards my man Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
… I do think if ‘MVP’ touches Ian Garry on that chin, he’s gonna be able to put him out.”
Ian Machado Garry Will Make a Big Statement with a Win Over MVP
Ian Machado Garry is a perfect 14-0 in his mixed martial arts career with his last seven victories all coming under the welterweight banner. Over the last year, ‘The Future’ has been gradually climbing the welterweight ladder with wins over division mainstays Neil Magny and Geoff Neal.
While his fight with ‘MVP’ will be a step backward from a rankings perspective, scoring a win over one of Bellator’s most prolific finishers would be a big feather in the Irishman’s cap.
Page will be seeking his second-straight win inside the Octagon after a decisive unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland in his promotional debut at UFC 299 in March.
