UFC 303: Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael 'Venom' Page: Live round-by-round updates
The UFC 303 Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael 'Venom' Page live round-by-round updates are here. The two men will cross swords in a meeting of slick welterweight strikers, with their bout serving as the main card opener. Garry, who is ranked No.7 in the UFC welterweight division sits seven spots above 'MVP', who is ranked No.14.
Despite their rankings, many expect their matchup to be a closely contested one, with both men eyeing a future title fight with whoever the reigning welterweight champion will be after UFC 304. Garry will hope to preserve his undefeated 14-0 record, while Page hopes to extend the two-fight win streak in his 22-2 record.
Some bad blood appears to have developed between the pair, with 'MVP' labeling the Irishman a carbon copy of the legendary Conor McGregor. Meanwhile, 'The Future' accused his foe of trying to bribe members of his team for information on his camp.
That, however, won't matter once they're inside the octagon. Only their current form will. The Irishman is coming off an uninspired split-decision win over Geoff Neal, while 'MVP' dazzled fans with a striking masterclass against Kevin Holland.
Both men will be eager to prove themselves against the other, especially Garry, who almost seems offended that Page is regarded so highly for his striking. The oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook seem to agree with him, regarding him as a -162 favorite, while Page is listed as a +136 underdog.
Follow Sportskeeda for UFC 303 live updates and play-by-play analysis of the welterweight clash.
UFC 303: Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael 'Venom' Page
Round 1: The round starts with Page throwing and missing a low kick. Garry answers back with a round kick to the body, but he hits nothing but air. Both men are gauging the distance, feinting. 'MVP' bounces back and forth, drawing a high kick from Garry that misses. Garry lunges in, but 'MVP' snipes him with a right hand.
Page throws a high kick, but Garry catches it and converts it into a takedown. The Englishman scoots to the fence, but 'The Future' is controlling him. Page gives up his back against the fence, and Garry locks in a body triangle. Garry works on a rear-naked choke, but 'MVP' defends.
Garry maintains the body triangle, throwing punches, but nothing of consequence. 'MVP' seems to have no idea on how to work back to his feet. The round ends with Garry still on his back.
Round 2: 'MVP' backs Garry up. The Irishman is quick to circle but ends up moving into the path of a hard right hand. Garry seems stunned by Page's speed. The former Bellator fighter tries another blitz, but misses, and Garry gets a brief double collar-tie. 'MVP' throws an overhand right, hits nothing but air as Garry pulls back.
Page lunges again with a one-two, but fails just short of landing. Garry interrupts another lunge with a quick right straight. 'MVP' attempts yet another lunge, but the Irishman ducks under and secures double underhooks. Garry tries to trip him, but they're stuck on the fence for now.
Garry tries to find an inside trip, but Page defends well. Not much activity as the referee urges them to work. The Irishman rolls under for a leg-lock, but 'MVP' gets out of it, and both men are back on the feet. Page lands a hard one-two. The Englishman tries a flying knee and misses, but eats another right hard right hand to end the round.
Round 3: Page starts the round with a right hand that partially lands. Garry answers with an outside low kick that forces a quick reset from 'MVP'. Both men gauging distance as Garry lands a body kick. 'MVP' lunges in and Garry tries to duck under but stumbles onto his back. Page is on top.
Garry seems to have no way of getting back to his feet, trapping Page in his guard with a body triangle. The Irishman lands a few elbows, but isn't able to get back to his feet. 'MVP' is content with just riding on top of his foe, but lands an elbow before allowing Garry back to his feet.
Both men swinging, but no one lands. Garry backs Page up to the fence but eats a jab. Garry gets a takedown and gets on Page's back, but the Englishman is back on his feet, carrying him. They stay in this position without much activity to end the round.
Official Decision: Ian Machado Garry def. Michael 'Venom' Page via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)