Fans watching UFC 303 weren’t impressed with Ian Garry’s decision to grapple Michael ‘Venom’ Page, even if it won him the fight on the judges’ scorecards.
Ian Machado Garry pulled out a tight win at UFC 303, beating Michael “Venom” Page via unanimous decision.
All three judges scored the fight the same way: 29-28 for Garry, with “The Future” earning the nod for rounds 1 and 3. The first was clear — Garry took Page down early, took his back, locked in a triangle and nearly tapped him with a rear naked choke.
But “MVP” came back strong in round 2, leaping in and landing several big punches that Garry clearly didn’t enjoy taking. He never managed to get a groove on like he did against Kevin Holland, though. That might be because Garry continued to threaten with takedowns and grappling.
#UFC303 Official Scorecard: Ian Machado Garry (@iangarryMMA) vs Michael “Venom” Page
Complete Scorecards: https://t.co/wNBCJC8Oce pic.twitter.com/v3LFrQY57e
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 30, 2024
That grappling came back into play in the third, with Garry taking Page’s back standing. He was content to stay there for the final minutes of the fight, much to the chagrin of the audience … and fans at home.
Let’s take a look at some of the reactions to Ian Machado Garry’s cautious but effective win over Michael “Venom” Page:
Picked Ian Garry to win that fight. Tried to warn ya it wasn’t gonna be an exciting one. A win over MVP isn’t easy and you can’t do it on the feet he’s too damn good. #UFC303
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) June 30, 2024
Doing all this and then hugging for 15 minutes should get you cut pic.twitter.com/hRz5KfWqmj
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry’s performance vs MVP pic.twitter.com/7Kul6sgjFJ
— TevTalksMMA (@TevTalksMMA) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry knew how fun the MVP fight could be on paper, and thought ‘I can’t let the fans have that. I must do everything I can to entertain as few people as possible.’
— The Naked Gambler (@NakedGambling) June 30, 2024
UFC fans: “We hope Garry vs. MVP will be a fun striking battle!”
Ian Garry: pic.twitter.com/Dg1aBdML1L
— Strong and Jacket©? (@strongandjacket) June 30, 2024
MMA Community to Ian Garry: pic.twitter.com/iatuK3DjqL
— XETINFO MMA (@xetinfomma) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry is a cool fighter because he actually comes in with plans for his opponents. Who would have thought wrestling MVP was the way to go? Well, almost everyone but the people who’s fought him, I guess
— Omni-Man’s MMA Burner (@zachharknessmma) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry against MVP tonight #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/2BfmcmAB0n
— ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? (@mmamarcuss) June 30, 2024
Some will be critical of Ian Machado Garry, but I was impressed by his poise and patience in a difficult fight. He didn’t take unnecessary chances against an opponent with a tough style to deal with. This was a big win for him. #UFC303
— Trent Reinsmith (@TrentReinsmith) June 30, 2024
MVP is an extremely tricky fighter who doesn’t get enough credit for how good he is. It wasn’t a spectacular performance, but it was a smart one – and a winning one – from Ian Garry.
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) June 30, 2024
No pop for mentioning Oliveira? People really do not fuck with Ian Garry Oliveira always gets a pop
— wholesomeMMA (@wholesome_mma) June 30, 2024
Garry did exactly what he needed to do to win the fight. Not always exciting but obviously it works. Hats off to Garry for working on his grappling. Congrats #UFC303
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) June 30, 2024
For complete UFC 303 results, coverage and highlights, click HERE.