Michael 'Venom' Page tells Ian Garry to “focus on himself” following Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 withdrawal
Michael 'Venom' Page is one of the UFC's most exciting additions this year, having signed for the promotion from Bellator MMA last year. After dominating Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in his debut, Page has been matched up against Ian Garry at UFC 303 on June 29.
Garry is one of the most promising talents at 170 pounds. With his Irish heritage and knack for knockouts, comparisons to the great Conor McGregor have been made for years.
'Venom', a Londoner, had hoped to secure his fight with Garry on the UFC 304 card, which takes place in Manchester, England. With his opponent's Irish nationality, their clash would have been highly anticipated across the pond.
However, McGregor's return fight was announced to take place at UFC 303, and 'The Future' was adamant that he was to compete on the same card as his childhoood hero.
But disaster struck 'The Notorious' in the shape of an injury, as he was forced to withdraw from his UFC 303 clash with Michael Chandler.
Page recently shared his thoughts on the irony of him fighting Garry on June 29 given McGregor's recent withdrawal, telling MMA Junkie:
"I just find it a bit funny, just how things work out. I think he was a bit too stressed about riding on the coat-tails of Conor. So now that this has happened, hopefully he learns that these things can happen and he should just focus on himself. Either way, I'm just glad that our fight is still on."
Watch Michael 'Venom' Page discuss fighting Ian Garry below (0:20):
Ian Garry wants to make Michael 'Venom' Page an "example"
Ian Garry and Michael 'Venom' Page will go to war in what should be a thrilling striking contest at UFC 303.
Having previously shared no interest in facing the promotional newcomer at UFC 303, 'The Future' pointed to the inability to secure a fight against Colby Covington as his reason for his change of mind about facing Page.
The Irishman dismissed his upcoming opponent's status as a "legend" ahead of their clash. Garry shared his intentions for fight night, saying:
"He's a legend?...You said that. You said that word to wind me up. Don't lie. You said that word to wind me up, you put that there...I believe I'm levels above him in every single way, shape and form, and this is just an opportunity to show it. To prove it to people. You guys think this guy's good? Okay. I'll use him as an example."
Watch Ian Garry discuss Michael 'Venom' Page below: