Michael Venom Page eyes Ian Garry clash at UFC Manchester: ‘That would be a fun fight, I guess’

Michael Venom Pages eyes UFC Manchester return fight with Ian Garry would be funOff the back of his impressive Octagon at UFC 299 earlier this month, welterweight contender, Michael Venom Page has…

Michael Venom Pages eyes UFC Manchester return fight with Ian Garry would be fun

Off the back of his impressive Octagon at UFC 299 earlier this month, welterweight contender, Michael Venom Page has welcomed the chance to make his sophomore outing in the promotion against the unbeaten, Ian Garry as soon as July – at a UFC Fight Night Manchester card.

Venom Page, a long-time Bellator MMA contender and one-time welterweight title chaser under the banner of the organization, made his long-anticipated UFC debut earlier this month against Kevin Holland.

Michael Venom Page shuts down terrible fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299 boring
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And extending his unbeaten winning run to two fights, London Shootfighters staple, Venom Page turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over the above-mentioned, Holland, which has seen him land at number thirteen in the official UFC welterweight rankings as a result. 

Michael Venom Page eyes UFC Manchester return

Eyeing a summer return to the Octagon, Venom Page namedropped both the above-mentioned Garry, and Brazilian-American contender, Vicente Luque as ideal opponents for a comeback – on a UFC Fight Night Manchester card.

Michael Venom Page UFC 299
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“I’m still on holidays, I need to get back and speak to my coaches properly,” Michael Venom Page told CBS Sports reporter, Shakiel Mahjouri. “We have to navigate what we think and speak to the UFC. There’s a big process that goes into it. But, if I could get on July, come out relatively unscathed again and jump in again in September, that would be a very happy year for me.”

“The likes of Ian Garry would be a fun fight, I guess,” Michael Venom Page explained. “Stylistically, the likeliness is it’s going to be quite explosive on the feet. (Vicente) Luque is another good fight. He’s a very explosive guy. A very powerful guy on his feet as well. That’s a good fight.” 

Ian Garry branded championship level fighter ahead of UFC 298 with the right matchups
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Currently in the midst of his own rivalry, Garry responded to former interim champion, Colby Covington over the weekend, challenging the outspoken Clovis native to an “I quit” match – with the loser retiring from mixed martial arts.

As for Venom Page, the veteran striker was also on the radar of Covington, who described a clash with the slick kickboxing talent as an “easy paycheck” for him as he targets his own return to the Octagon.

Who wins in a future fight: Michael Venom Page or Ian Garry?

Colby Covington unimpressed with Michael Venom Page’s UFC debut: ‘I saw another easy paycheck

Colby Covington mocks Michael Venom Page's UFC debut he's just another easy paycheckFormer UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington wasn’t impressed with Michael Page’s performance against Kevin Holland. Page made his…

Colby Covington mocks Michael Venom Page's UFC debut he's just another easy paycheck

Former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington wasn’t impressed with Michael Page’s performance against Kevin Holland.

Page made his UFC debut at UFC 299 last weekend and picked up a decision win over Kevin Holland. The longtime Bellator veteran was able to frustrate Holland with his striking style and edged out the decision win.

Michael Venom Page shuts down terrible fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299 boring
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Although Michael Page did beat a top-15 opponent in his UFC debut, Colby Covington wasn’t impressed with it at all and thinks ‘MVP’ sucks.

“The guy’s trash,” Covington told Submission Radio. “He’s a bum. I mean, look at his last fight before that. He got beat by a guy that fights in Indian casinos. He got beat by Mike Perry. We saw how the Mike Perry experience ended up in the UFC – guy getting his nose crooked, smashed and knocked out like three or four times in a row. It just shows: The kid’s just hyped. They’re trying to hype him up.

“They’re giving him a guy in Kevin Holland who’s a complete scrub – I mean, 50/50 fighter at best in the division. And that’s all you could do? Just that pathetic fight and that pathetic walkout? Like, that wasn’t entertaining, man. It doesn’t work. It only works when you’re good and you’re at the top of the division, not when you’re fighting scrubs that shouldn’t even be fighting in the UFC in the first place. So I didn’t make anything of it. I just saw another easy money paycheck if the UFC ever wants to give me that in the future,” Covington added.

Although Colby Covington wasn’t impressed with Michael Page’s UFC debut, the Brit did beat a ranked welterweight and will get another big fight next time out.

Colby Covington eyes Ian Machado Garry fight

Colby Covington also responded to Ian Machado Garry’s callout on Wednesday and he expressed interest in the matchup.

Garry called out Covington following his UFC 298 win and many fans were interested in the matchup. Chaos’ took his time to respond but did show interest in fighting the Irishman as the co-main event to the potential Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler card.

Colby Covington claims he's still the best welterweight on earth despite loss at UFC 296
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Covington is coming off a decision loss to Leon Edwards back in December for the welterweight title. Before that, he beat Jorge Masvidal by decision to return to the win column after loisng to Kamaru Usman for the belt.

Who wins in a future fight: Colby Covington or Michael Venom Page?

Michael Venom Page shuts down ‘Terrible’ fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299: ‘I could be wrong’

Michael Venom Page shuts down terrible fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299 boringUFC welterweight Michael Venom Page envisions a ‘boring’ fight against Stephen Thompson should the pair meet in the future. …

Michael Venom Page shuts down terrible fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299 boring

UFC welterweight Michael Venom Page envisions a ‘boring’ fight against Stephen Thompson should the pair meet in the future. 

Page enjoyed a successful UFC debut last Saturday, convincingly outstriking Kevin Holland over three rounds. Holland refused to stay down despite being stunned throughout the contest after being on the receiving end of some flashy, but vicious strikes from Page. 

Michael 'Venom' Page wins Octagon debut in entertaining fight with Kevin Holland - UFC 299 Highlights

Throughout his time in MMA Page has always been a showman, using his karate stance the 36-year-old often likes to throw big shots from the outside, leaping in with jumping knees and other explosive strikes. Page now finds himself in a great to position to push for some big fights at 170lbs given his recent performance and relative name value. 

Michael Venom Page unsure of Stephen Thompson fight

Fans have called for Page to step in with fellow striker Stephen Thompson, who is similarly ranked and shares a similar style. However, Page explained that because of their similarity, it would equate to a boring fight.

Michael Venom Page UFC 299
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“It’s weird because obviously, I’ve been hearing for years before I even got to the UFC and I always tell people the same thing, two positives don’t always make a positive” Michael Venom Page said during an interview with Sportsnet after UFC 299.

“What will be a great fight for me and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, will look like a terrible fight for everyone else because we’ll go back into auto-pilot of our point-scoring system and there’s a lot of battles that happen without anything really happening.” Page added.

Stephen Thompson hopes to be back paid for UFC 296 fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“As soon as I’m about to throw that punch, I can sense that he’s got that counter ready and I might break away,”Page continued. “So, there’s going to be a lot of not much happening in my opinion. I could also be wrong and it could be an amazing fight but from my experience fighting high-level points fighters, it slows everything down.”

Who do you think Michael Venom Page should face next?

Michael Venom Page plots title fight with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC 299 debut: ‘I’m here to get the bling’

Michael Venom Page plots title fight with Leon Edwards after UFC 299 I'm here to get the blingMichael ‘Venom’ Page reveals positive discussions with UFC that led him to sign with the promotion. During his career,…

Michael Venom Page plots title fight with Leon Edwards after UFC 299 I'm here to get the bling

Michael ‘Venom’ Page reveals positive discussions with UFC that led him to sign with the promotion.

During his career, Page has been one of the bigger names outside of the UFC but this weekend he will make his first walk for the promotion. He will take on Kevin Holland on the main card of UFC 299 in Miami, Florida – a big name and a big spot for someone making their debut. 

Michael Venom Page plots title win after UFC 299

Spending the majority of his career at Bellator, Michael Venom Page revealed that the UFC had actually reached out before he had officially become a free agent. 

“Interestingly enough, their first reach out was kind of a mistake on their part, because it kind of showed their interest,” Michael Venom Page told assembled media ahead of UFC 299. “Basically, when I did my bare-knuckle fight, and I announced I was going my bare-knuckle fight, people reached out, ‘Does that mean he’s a free agent?’ Obviously the UFC reached out like, ‘Is he a free agent?’ So we’re like, oh, somebody’s interested, huh?”

Now 36, Page is entering the tail end of his career and will need to make his time with the promotion count. The Englishman’s sights are set firmly at the top and fully expects to reach the welterweight title. 

“I don’t do things just to make up numbers,” Page said. “We’re here for the belt. I’m here to get the bling. Getting to the top is key, which is why I start with somebody the likes of Kevin Holland. It needs to be that type of challenge. I don’t have time to try to build myself up, and I don’t need to. That was a conversation that I had with the UFC. They were equally in agreement with that and I think they’ve shown their intentions by giving me Kevin Holland first.”

Michael Page UFC 299 Presser
Mandatory Credit: Mike Roach – Zuffa LLC

According to Page, the UFC appreciate the marketability of the London Shootfighters’ striker and is aligned with his goals. 

“The reason I got a fighter of this standard, this level is their intentions align with mine of wanting to be at the top,” Michael Venom Page continued. “I always say the added value I think I bring is I’m very capable of marketing myself without anybody. I’m very good, I’m very aware of how to utilize certain spaces to help market myself, and I think they understand me with a title and my brain, and how to market as well, it’s great for everybody, all parties involved. So definitely, this win will put me up there.”

How far will Michael Venom Page go in the UFC?

Michael Page predicts ‘Massive’ future fight with Leon Edwards ahead of UFC bow: ‘We can sell out a stadium’

Michael Page predicts UFC title fight with Leon Edwards we can sell out a stadiumRecently laying out plans for a future championship fight with compatriot, Leon Edwards in the United Kingdom, incoming Octagon…

Michael Page predicts UFC title fight with Leon Edwards we can sell out a stadium

Recently laying out plans for a future championship fight with compatriot, Leon Edwards in the United Kingdom, incoming Octagon debutante, Michael Page claims if he can work his way to a UFC title siege with the Birmingham native, the two can sell out a stadium show in the country.

Page, a former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, will make his long-anticipated bow in the Octagon at UFC 299 in March, taking on fan-favorite welterweight contender, Kevin Holland on the main card of the Miami, Florida card.

Entering his first Octagon walk off the back of a quickfire leg kick TKO win over Goiti Yamauchi back in March, Page already has sights fixed on standing opposite British gold holder, Edwards in a future title fight – with the latter expected to feature at UFC 300 in April in a championship rematch against Belal Muhammad.

Michael Page envisions Leon Edwards title fight in the UFC

However, according to London Shootfighters staple, Page, should he work his way to a championship tilt against Edwards, the pair could most definitely sell out a stadium in the UK – on unprecedented footing for the Dana White-led organization.

“It’s an absolutely massive fight,” Michael Page told MMA Junkie of a fight between himself and Leon Edwards. “It makes a statement to where the U.K. artists are at this stage of MMA in the world. The U.K. guys are doing so well. You just have to look across at Tom Aspinall doing his thing as well as heavyweight. The fact that we can get two U.K. guys to headline a main event in the U.K. is unbelievable for a belt. Like I said, unheard of. Let’s make it happen.”

“… I want to be big knockout, big knockout, and let’s go for the belt,” Michael Page continued. “Hopefully, Leon’s still got the belt. I definitely believe that he can still have the belt. We can sell out a stadium, we can make so much noise together and sell out a stadium in the U.K. and just bring an untold story to the UFC.” 

Would you like to see Michael Page fight Leon Edwards for UFC gold in the future?

Michael Page predicts future UK title fight with UFC star Leon Edwards: ‘I can already envision it’

Michael Page predicts future UK title fight with UFC star Leon Edwards I can envision itFinally inking terms on an Octagon contract following years of speculation, former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, Michael Page…

Michael Page predicts future UK title fight with UFC star Leon Edwards I can envision it

Finally inking terms on an Octagon contract following years of speculation, former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, Michael Page claims he can already see a blockbuster title pairing with fellow UK star, Leon Edwards in the future in a return to England, ahead of his bow at UFC 299 next March against Kevin Holland.

Page, a former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, was confirmed as having put pen to paper on a multi-fight deal with the Dana White-led UFC earlier this month, booking a long-rumored Octagon bow at the welterweight limit against Riverside striker, Holland in his debut in March of next year in Miami, Florida

Sidelined from active competition since he featured at Bellator 292 back in March of this year, London Shootfighters staple, Page most recently landed a quickfire opening round TKO win over perennial contender, Goiti Yamauchi with a series of leg kicks. 

Michael Page predicts title showdown with UFC star Leon Edwards

And aiming to blast his way to the top of the welterweight rankings, Page, 36, has sights firmly fixed on standing opposite Birmingham native, Edwards in an undisputed championship fight in the pair’s native UK sooner than later.

“The fact is, we’re prize fighters,” Michael Page told MMA Fighting. “When the time comes, we’re gonna get to work. And I can already see it. I can already envision it. I can already see ‘MVP’ (Michael ‘Venom’ Page) – Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards, in the UK, two British fighters. That is going to be unbelievable.”

“If you look at the [Michael] Chandler route, I’m definitely on that mode,” Michael Page explained. “It can’t be long. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. I just wanna come in and make as much noise as possible.” 

Who wins in a future UFC title fight: Leon Edwards or Michael Page?