Despite seeing his promotional-pefect run coming to a halt at UFC 303 at the end of last month, British…
Despite seeing his promotional-pefect run coming to a halt at UFC 303 at the end of last month, British striker, Michael Venom Page still wants to share the Octagon with former champion, Kamaru Usman next – especially if the latter is sticking to the welterweight limit.
Page, a former Bellator MMA title challenger, made his sophomore outing in the Octagon at the end of last month on the main card of UFC 303, taking on unbeaten Irish striker, Ian Garry during International Fight Week.
Dropping a close split decision loss to the Portmarnock native, London Shootfighters stalwart, Page suffered his first UFC defeat following a prior unanimous decision shutout win over Kevin Holland in his debut earlier this year.
Michael Venom Page calls for fight with Kamaru Usman
However, initially staking his claim for a showdown with former pound-for-pound number one, Usman should he topple Garry at UFC 303, veteran striker, Page has now claimed despite his defeat to the former, he would still like to take on Auchi native, Usman.
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC
“You know what, for me, I feel like I still hold weight,” Michael Venom Page told Michael Bisping during a recent interview. “People are still excited to see me fight and while that is there, it’s one more win and I’m back in the same conversation again. I would still go for someone like an (Kamaru) Usman – he’s number one ranked.”
“And if my – my thing is, the only reason I keep saying this as well is because he doesn’t seem to be in line for a fight,” Michael Venom Page explained. “So I’m not sure what he’s doing. …If he is going to be staying in the division, then why not? If he’s happy to take the fight, then why not?”
Ian Machado Garry maintained his undefeated record at UFC 303 where he handed Michael “Venom” Page his first loss inside the Octagon. The two dynamic welterweight strikers went the full three rounds in the main card opener where Garry’s takedowns and ground control proved to be the difference. He received some criticism from fans for […]
He received some criticism from fans for this performance after not backing up some of his words about how the striking battle would play out.
Garry’s been known to ruffle some feathers during his UFC tenure, not least during the build up to his fight with the veteran 170-pound competitor Neil Magny.
The two men met at UFC 292 last year where the rising contender said some things about Magny that didn’t really resonate with a lot of the fans.
Despite their previous tensions, there is no bad blood towards the Irishman at least from Magny’s point of view as has been clear in the past.
Neal Magny Praises Ian Garry For His ‘Smart’ & ‘Patient’ Performance At UFC 303
During a recent interview with James Lynch for InsideFighting, Magny spoke about his former opponent’s last outing.
The welterweight staple is set to return on August 24 where he looks to make it back-to-back wins since his loss to Garry when facing Michael Morales.
“Yeah I watched it, it’s one of those fighters where it’s a tough call. When you have so much time to prepare for a fight, every move you make has to be very calculated where had one guy or the other slipped up one way or the other like had MVP [been] able to stuff one takedown, it would change the outcome of the fight. Had Ian Garry missed one takedown it could change the outcome of the fight, had MVP landed one more significant strike it could change the outcome of the fight so it was just one of those fights that was close going into it and anything can literally happen.
“That fight literally came down to who made the least amount of mistakes. I mean even some of the takedowns that Ian Garry was able to score on MPV, it didn’t really come from like, ‘Oh I’m going to set up a shot with my strikes and feint and get in this way.’ It was off a caught kick or something like that and he took full advantage of it.”
Where some fans criticized Garry for relying on his grappling skills to make the fight a more gruelling affair, Magny credited him for this.
He spoke about how when you’re up against an opponent like Page, doing anything other than keeping it simple can result in a rough awakening.
“It was a very close fight I was definitely impressed with the grappling display that Ian Garry was able to pull out of that fight. I definitely tip my hat to the performance that Ian Garry. It was one of those fights that is very difficult to prepare for because if you go out there and try to do a little bit too much against MVP, you end up waking up looking at the ceiling so he fought a very smart fight, a very patient fight and was able to get it done.”
Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 5, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Michael ‘Venom’ Page Speaks On Social Media After First UFC Setback Michael “Venom” Page suffered his first defeat in the Octagon at UFC 303 this past weekend where […]
Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 5, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
“MVP” plans to learn and come back stronger from UFC 303 setback
WBC refuses to work with Ryan Garcia after latest offensive outburst
Ankalaev believes he can exploit Pereira’s striking in one area
Michael ‘Venom’ Page Speaks On Social Media After First UFC Setback
Michael “Venom” Page suffered his first defeat in the Octagon at UFC 303 this past weekend where he was beaten on the scorecards by Ian Garry.
Despite displaying some of his unpredictable striking at it’s best, he was unable to prevent his opponent from taking the fight to the ground.
Page could have been lined up for a massive fight if he was able to hand Garry the first defeat of his career, but now it’s time to go back to the drawing board for the London-based fighter.
Page spoke for the first time since the setback via a post on his Instagram profile, where he reflected about learning from this defeat in order to come back stronger.
“When defeat comes, accept it as a signal that your plans are not sound, rebuild those plans, and set sail once more toward your coveted goal. #ufc303”
WBC Cut All Ties With Ryan Garcia After Latest Controversial Rant Goes Too Far
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán has taken action against controversial boxing star Ryan Garcia after his latest outburst pushed the line too far.
Garcia made headlines after using incredibly offensive racial slurs and referencing George Floyd during a rant on X Spaces.
With Garcia’s behavior only appearing to become more erratic and troubling since his clash with Devin Haney, the people around him are starting to act.
Sulaimán said that the governing body will be cutting all ties with Garcia from this point on and refuse to work with him.
His post on social media also makes reference to how he has declined the opportunity for help from the WBC on multiple occasions, claiming that they wished to support him through is struggles with mental health and substance abuse.
“Exercising my authority as president of the WBC , I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse”
Exercising my authority as president of the WBC , I am hereby expelling Ryan Garcia from any activity with our organization. We reject any form of discrimination. I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse pic.twitter.com/pCIOH2am7B
This latest outburst also led to Garcia’s family putting out a statement, insisting that they don’t support the things he said and that they don’t reflect who he truly is.
Magomed Ankalaev Makes Bold Claim About Alex Pereira’s Striking
Ask any MMA fan who the best striker in the sport is right now and you’re likely to be given the name of the UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira.
Magomed Ankalaev believes that he will dethrone “Poatan” when they eventually meet, and while he would be expected to have an advantage in the grappling, he also believes that he can out strike the champion.
Ankalaev spoke in an interview with Mike Bohn for MMA Junkie about the one aspect that he sees in Pereira’s striking that he believes he would be able to take advantage of.
“I think he is a great striker. But he is the kind of guy who always moves forward, and that is where sometimes he might make a mistake. That’s where I might catch him,” Ankalaev continued. “Definitely he has a strong punch, but I think just overall, his standup fight is overrated. Watch his fight with Jamahal Hill; he had something to offer to counter him. Same with the fight with Procházka. … He was probably lucky or didn’t face serious opposition. Wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight with him standing up.”
Ian Machado Garry doubles down on his allegations against “MVP”. The lead up to UFC 303 was chaotic to say the least. The postponement of the main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler dominated the headlines in the weeks before International Fight Week, and the carousel of replacement fighters that were drafted into (and subsequently fell […]
Ian Machado Garry doubles down on his allegations against “MVP”.
The lead up to UFC 303 was chaotic to say the least. The postponement of the main event between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler dominated the headlines in the weeks before International Fight Week, and the carousel of replacement fighters that were drafted into (and subsequently fell back out of) the co-main event slot beggared belief.
The bizarre fight card shake-up continued well into fight day, as Dan Ige was drafted in at the last second to replace Brian Ortega opposite Diego Lopes in scenes never witnessed before in UFC history.
— “The Future” Ian Machado Garry (@iangarryMMA) June 27, 2024
Speaking at the press conference after his unanimous decision victory over ‘MVP’ ‘The Future’ doubled down on the accusations.
“We do all these drug tests, we do all this stuff to go, ‘you’re clean, you’re not doing drugs’…but someone came out here and offered money for my information from my team? Thank God Chute Boxe is f**kin rock solid” said the Irishman. “Thank God Chute Boxe go ‘No’…we shut it down and we locked everything down, nothing went out. We had a blackout on Instagram and stuff and socials”.
‘That’s Filthy And That’s Cheating’ – Garry Doesn’t Let Page Off The Hook
Garry said in the post-fight press conference that he has already reported the allegations to the powers-that-be and also queried whether his opponent may have a history of this kind of behavior – and whether there may be evidence of links to gambling.
“For me, I said to the (Nevada State Athletic) Commission, they were like, ‘Look, there’s no rules against it’. I was like, ‘Well let’s make sure there is, because it’s cheating and it’s dirty and we can’t be doing all this stuff when it comes to testing and making sure the sport’s clean, and then people are being dirty in other regards. So let’s make a rule.
“And also, has anyone ever made money on it? Has there ever been any side bets on it? If you know what I know and I’m putting money on it because we have inside information it’s f**kin dirty…so that’s what I think when I said there should be suspension for life. I believe that if you go check the bank accounts and if you go check the bookies I guarantee there’s been some money won somewhere along the line, and that’s filthy and that’s cheating to me”.
Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on […]
Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at:
Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor all trade shots
Sanko says “MVP” needs the right dance partner
Cejudo still has Pereira grappling concerns
Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire
Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on social media with Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler all letting their feelings about one another be known.
The conversation was sparked by a post from Poirier where he said if Arman Tsarukyan is unable to fight for the lightweight title, he would be happy to jump back in with Makhachev following their fight at UFC 302.
“The Diamond” had also been firing back at Conor McGregor in response to the recent social media posts that were made by “The Notorious” in reference to their previous encounters.
Makhachev replied to Poirier’s message, as did fellow top lightweight Chandler who then also went back-and-forth with the lightweight champion due to their history inside the Octagon.
The full series of crossfire posts shows that there is no love lost between any of the four lightweights.
Laura Sanko Says Michael ‘Venom’ Page Needs The Right Match-Up After UFC 303 Defeat
Michael “Venom” Page was defeated by Ian Garry at UFC 303 after the Irishman used his grappling to secure the victory.
Whilst Page had some strong moments on the feet, he was taken down and out-grappled by one of the welterweight contenders who isn’t known for this particular skill set.
UFC commentator Laura Sanko spoke in an interview with Submission Radio about how this fight showed some of the flaws in Page’s game.
She said that whilst there are still plenty of options for “MVP” in the UFC, it needs to be against the right opponent after what we saw this past weekend.
“Yeah, he definitely showed a little bit of lack of depth in terms of the details of the ground game and I think anybody that really appreciates the fine art of jiu-jitsu is going to spot those.
“There are still plenty of really interesting, fun fights for MVP on the UFC roster. The truth of the matter is he needs the right stylistic match-up.”
Henry Cejudo Says The Jury Is Still Out On Alex Pereira And His Grappling
Former UFC champ-champ Henry Cejudo isn’t ready to start calling Alex Pereira the best in the world right now due to one concern.
Despite being able to deal with other strikers in emphatic fashion, as he did in the main event of UFC 303, a huge test awaits him in Magomed Ankalaev.
Cejudo also referred to the fact that Pereira is yet to mention a potential super fight with the heavyweight champion Jon Jones because of the wrestling pedigree that “Bones” brings to the table.
“Either way, Alex Pereira, he’s not mentioning Jon Jones because I think he knows that Jon Jones has that special sauce, and it’s called wrestling. But that being said, I want to see the fight with Ankalaev.”
Garry returned to the Octagon on Saturday night and scored himself a unanimous decision victory over Michael ‘Venom’ Page in the evening’s main card opener. For three rounds, Garry executed a perfect game plan that saw him largely stifle Page’s unorthodox striking style, handing ‘Venom’ just his third career loss in 14 years.
Given Page was sitting seven spots below ‘The Future’ in the welterweight rankings, it’s unclear what impact, if any, Garry’s win will have on his position in the division. Regardless of that, the Irishman is ready for another step up in competition.
“I’m gonna have a chat with Hunter [Campbell] and Dana [White] to figure out what’s next,” Garry said at the post-fight press conference. “There’s some big names, there’s some cool matchups. This Shavkat, 18-0 undefeated. I’d love to get my hands on him. I’ve trained with him. I have nothing, but respect for the guy, but I want to be the first guy to take his ‘O’ and I know I can do it. I just beat the fastest guy in the division, other than me, when it comes to striking and skills so I know I can do it.
“When it comes to grappling, we’ve seen the growth that I have. I’m excited to go out there and prove it against someone like him.”
Is Ian Machado Garry the right fight for Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Shavkat Rakhmonov is a perfect 18-0 in his mixed martial arts career with six of those wins coming inside the Octagon. Perhaps even more impressive is his 100% finish rate, including eight knockouts and 10 submissions.
That moved ‘Nomad’ to the No. 3 spot in the welterweight rankings with the only two fighters above him being Belal Muhammad and ex-champion Kamaru Usman.
After moving to 15-0 with a solid performance against ‘MVP’ at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry has his sights…
