After beating ‘MVP’ at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry is ready to take Shavkat Rakhmonov’s ‘O’

After beating 'MVP' at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry is ready to take Shavkat Rakhmonov's 'O'After moving to 15-0 with a solid performance against ‘MVP’ at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry has his sights…

After beating 'MVP' at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry is ready to take Shavkat Rakhmonov's 'O'

After moving to 15-0 with a solid performance against ‘MVP’ at UFC 303, Ian Machado Garry has his sights set on taking Shavkat Rakhmonov’s ‘O.’

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.

Ian Machado Garry

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.

Rakhmonov’s last appearance went down at UFC 296 in December where he scored a second-round rear-naked choke against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

Shavkat submits 'Wonderboy'

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.

Shavkat

Ian Garry hands Michael Venom Page first Octagon loss in close decision win – UFC 303 Highlights

Ian Garry hands Michael Venom Page first Octagon loss in close decision win UFC 303 HighlightsUnbeaten striker, Ian Garry has racked up the most high-profile victory of his Octagon tenure to date tonight in…

Ian Garry hands Michael Venom Page first Octagon loss in close decision win UFC 303 Highlights

Unbeaten striker, Ian Garry has racked up the most high-profile victory of his Octagon tenure to date tonight in the main card opener of UFC 303 — defeating former Bellator MMA title challenger, Michael Venom Page in a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) victory over the British striker.

Garry, who moves to 15-0 as a professional with tonight’s victory against Page, adds the London Shootfighters star to a prior win this annum when he landed another split judging win over Geoff Neal in a tight win at UFC 298 back in February.

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And plying his trade at Chute Boxe in Brazil in recent camps, Portmarnock contender, Ian Garry almost landed a quickfire submission win over Page in the opening round — vying for a rear-naked choke, ultimately to no avail.

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Struggling with the speed and elusiveness of Page in the second and third rounds, Garry, a former Cage Warriors welterweight champion, again threatened with submission offence in the second, searching out another unsuccessful kneebar attempt.

And riding out the remainder of the third round on Page’s back as he attempted to force a late finish, Garry turned in his eighth straight victory under the banner of the UFC.

garry mvp ufc 303

Below, catch the highlights from Ian Garry’s decision win over Michael Venom Page at UFC 303

Video – Ian Garry accuses Michael ‘Venom’ Page of sending spies to UFC 303 camp at heated press conference

Ian Garry accuses Michael Venom Page of sending spies to UFC 303 camp at press conferenceUnbeaten striking star, Ian Garry shared a heated back-and-forth with promotional newcomer, Micahel ‘Venom’ Page during their pre-fight press…

Ian Garry accuses Michael Venom Page of sending spies to UFC 303 camp at press conference

Unbeaten striking star, Ian Garry shared a heated back-and-forth with promotional newcomer, Micahel ‘Venom’ Page during their pre-fight press conference ahead of UFC 303 this weekend – accusing him of attempting to infiltrate his training camp in order to access information about him.

Garry, the current number seven ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined since he featured at UFC 298 back in February, landing a split decision win over Geoff Neal in a rescheduled clash in Anaheim.

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

As for former Bellator MMA star, ‘Venom’ Page, the London Shootfighters staple made his Octagon debut at UFC 299 the following month, taking out Kevin Holland with a one-sided unanimous decision win over the perennial contender.

Ian Garry accuses Michael ‘Venom’ Page of trying to infiltrate UFC 303 camp

And taking his talents to Brazil for his training camp ahead of a bout with ‘Venom’ Page, Portmarnock native, Garry accused the veteran striking ace of attempting to pay members of his entourage and camp to relay sensitive information about him to gain an advantage ahead of UFC 303 – during a heated confrontation at the press conference tonight. 

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

“Did you and your team offer thousands of dollars, to get information in Chute Boxe, from my boys?” Ian Garry asked Michael ‘Venom’ Page. “Did you send someone a message, and offer thousands of dollars for information? And you couldn’t infiltrate the camp – you couldn’t get into it. The Chute Boxe family is too tight.”

“Your little f*cking rat Jiu-Jitsu coach, (inaudible) offered money to one of my Brazilian friends, and you got nothing,” Ian Garry explained. “Saturday night you’re f*cked. All I know is, you’re getting suspended after this f*cking fight. You’re never fighting again after this fight. You and your Jiu-Jitsu coach are getting suspended for life.

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Who wins at UFC 303 this weekend: Ian Garry or Michael ‘Venom’ Page?

Michael ‘Venom’ Page explains call out of Kamaru Usman pre-UFC 303: ‘I think it makes the most sense’

Michael 'Venom' Page explains Kamaru Usman call out for UFC 303 I think it makes the most senseSet to make his sophomore Octagon outing this weekend on the main card of UFC 303, Michael ‘Venom’ Page…

Michael 'Venom' Page explains Kamaru Usman call out for UFC 303 I think it makes the most sense

Set to make his sophomore Octagon outing this weekend on the main card of UFC 303, Michael ‘Venom’ Page has explained his call out of former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – as he prepares to take on the unbeaten, Ian Garry in Las Vegas.

‘Venom’ Page, the current number fourteenth ranked welterweight challenger, made his promotional bow back in March on the main card of UFC 299, ending his lengthy stay with Bellator MMA – with a dominant unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland.

Michael Venom Page plans spectacular knockout of Ian Garry at UFC 303 he's going to sleep
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Garry, the undefeated Portmarnock striker featured most recently the month prior at UFC 298, landing a unanimous judging win over Texan kickboxing star, Geoff Neal.

Michael Venom Page UFC 299

Hoping to shoot his way through the rankings relatively quickly, Manchester striker, Page has already outlined his intentions to score a stadium show in the UK against fellow countryman, Leon Edwards in an undisputed title fight in the near future.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page echoes call for Kamaru Usman fight

And with a victory against Irish striking star, Garry this weekend in ‘Sin City’ – Page has echoed claims that a title-eliminator with the current division chart-topper, Usman makes all the sense in the world.

Kamaru Usman tipped as Dana White's favorite fighter he's the greatest UFC welterweight of all time

“(Kamaru) Usman’s just chilling there, and he’s ranked #1 as well,” Michael ‘Venom’ Page told FREESTYLEBENDER during a recent interview. “Obviously, massive respect to him for what he’s done in his career – what he’s still doing in his career”

“But he’s just sat at the top,” Michael ‘Venom’ Page explained. “And I’m like, ‘Well, where would I go next?’ It feel likes kinda other people are partnered off – unless for whatever reason, injuries, blah, blah, blah – I get the title fight next after this fight [with Ian Garry], then it’s likely that I’m gonna have to fight one more time. So, I think it makes the most sense.” 

Who wins in a future fight: Kamaru Usman or Michael ‘Venom’ Page?

Michael Venom Page plans ‘Spectacular knockout’ of Ian Garry at UFC 303: ‘He will be sleeping, good night’

Michael Venom Page plans spectacular knockout of Ian Garry at UFC 303 he's going to sleepRecent promotional debutante, Michael Venom Page has plans to turn in a “spectacular” finish over the unbeaten, Ian Garry…

Michael Venom Page plans spectacular knockout of Ian Garry at UFC 303 he's going to sleep

Recent promotional debutante, Michael Venom Page has plans to turn in a “spectacular” finish over the unbeaten, Ian Garry at UFC 303 at the end of next month, claiming he will leave the Dublin striker “sleeping” when they share the Octagon during International Fight Week.

Venom Page, a former Bellator MMA welterweight title challenger, made his long-anticipated bow in the Octagon back in March, turning in a one-sided unanimous decision win over Riverside contender, Kevin Holland in his first organization clash.

Michael Venom Page UFC 299

As for Garry, the unbeaten Portmarnock striker has been sidelined since the month prior, remaining undefeated in a split decision win over Geoff Neal at UFC 298 in February.

Michael Venom Page Plans vows to KO the unbeaten Ian Garry

And slated to meet next month in the co-main event of UFC 303, Venom Page takes on Garry in a high-stakes pairing at the welterweight limit, vowing to hand the Dubliner his first professional loss – in devastating fashion to boot.

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

“The game plan is pretty straightforward if I’m being honest,” Michael Venom Page told Michael Bisping during a recent interview. “And I don’t think it does anything for him (Ian Garry) even if he heard this: piling on a lot of pressure, because he doesn’t seem to work well off his back foot. And he will feel that pressure, mixed with that frustration. And it’s gonna make him – some point in that fight, dart forward at the wrong moment.”

Ian Garry claims Colby Covington has no interest fighting him He's been avoiding me UFC

“And that’s when something big happens,” Michael Venom Page explained. “I’m drilling quite a few things, that if any one of those lands – nobody’s gonna be talking about the Conor (McGregor) fight [against Michael Chandler in the main event]. [Garry will be] sleeping, good night.”

Who wins next month at UFC 303: Michael Venom Page or Ian Garry?

Ian Garry vs. Michael Venom Page opens as pick ’em fight as betting lines drop for huge UFC 303 showdown

Ian Garry set to fight Michael Venom Page at UFC 303 in massive June showdownOfficially set to share the Octagon next month at UFC 303 amid months of speculation regarding a pairing, Ian…

Ian Garry set to fight Michael Venom Page at UFC 303 in massive June showdown

Officially set to share the Octagon next month at UFC 303 amid months of speculation regarding a pairing, Ian Garry versus Michael Venom Page has opened as a close pick ‘em clash between the duo, with betting lines officially dropping for the anticipated showdown.

Garry, the current number seven ranked welterweight contender, had been long-linked with a return at UFC 303 next month during International Fight Week, seeing a bout with former interim champion, Colby Covington failing to materialize. 

Ian Garry addesses UFC 296 exit this annoys me I want to fight
Mandatory Credit: Icon Sportswire

However, tonight, UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed Ian Garry would take on British star, Page in a massive clash at UFC 303 at the end of June, with fans clamoring for a pairing of striking talents on a blockbuster card.

Ian Garry – Michael Page opens as pick ’em fight for UFC 303

And currently, Garry and Page are sitting on opening betting lines of -105, and -115 respectively ahead of UFC 303 – with some of the best casinos who offer free respins already offering odds on the bout. Fans and punters alike can use the Gambler Guide slot review to find a comprehensive book of oz review, with ‘Sin City’ playing host to the huge UFC 303 card in Las Vegas next month. 

030324 HERO michael venom page scream

Improving to 14-0 as a professional back in February of this year, Dublin striker, Ian Garry turned in a close split decision win over Texan striker, Geoff Neal – remaining unbeaten in the Octagon since his landing three years ago.

As for London Shootfighters staple, Page, the former Bellator MMA title challenger finally made good on his long-anticipated move to the UFC back in March in Miami, landing in the Octagon with aplomb – courtesy of a one-sided decision win over Kevin Holland.

And himself hoping to secure a showdown with incumbent welterweight challenger, Leon Edwards in the future with another couple of high-profile victories, Page expressed a candid interest in a fight with Portmarnock striker, Ian Garry following his debut win at UFC 299.

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“I don’t actually care when the fight is, I can do it next week,” Michael Page explained. “I can do it the week after. I don’t mind. I’m just saying it made more sense for the U.K. He’s Irish, I’m English, on the U.K. card. It’s going to be a big card, it would be a great fight. I think he likes to just hang on the back of people’s coattails. So he sees Conor McGregor and gets excited.”

“I’d fight him next week,” Page continued. “If I have a lose ‘X’ amount of weight for that fight, I’ll do it next week. It’s not a problem. I think he misunderstood what’s actually going on. I think he understands I’m dangerous. I’ve never actually met him. I never like to judge too much from a distance, but he inspires me to get in shape because he just has an annoying air about him. If there was any motivation needed, it’s just him talking.” 

Garry’s addition to UFC 303 alongside Page adds to a stacked card in Nevada – which is headlined by a huge welterweight fight between former two-division champion, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler.

Who wins at UFC 303 next month: Ian Garry or MIchael Venom Page?