Ian Garry created a lot of buzz on his UFC debut, knocking out his opponent at UFC 268 on MSG, reminiscent of Conor McGregor. Garry idolized McGregor and thus wanted to be on the UFC 303 PPV, headlined by McGregor and Michael Chandler. The UFC granted Garry’s wish, announcing Michael “Venom” Page as his next opponent for the PPV.
Garry had preferred Colby Covington, pondering the possibility of Ireland vs. USA fights on the main and co-main event. However, Covington allegedly refused to fight due to injury. Garry revealed that the UFC offered him several names, all of which he accepted, but they didn’t. Michael Venom Page disagreed with Garry’s assertion, evidenced by the fight booking. Now, Garry has sent a stern message to Page via X.
7-0 in the UFC – undefeated. I’ve beat everyone that’s been put in front of me. You guys think this guy [Michael Venom Page] is good? Okay. June 29th in Las Vegas Nevada, I’ll use him as an example.
Ian Garry via X
Even though Garry and Page have never met, they have a budding rivalry. Moreover, Page being British would help the matchup as an Ireland vs. Britain battle at UFC 303. Furthermore, when Page made his UFC debut, Garry didn’t expect the Brit to defeat Kevin Holland.
Page wanted to fight Garry on UFC 304 in Manchester, citing the significance it could’ve had. However, Page alleged Garry wanted to ride on Conor McGregor’s cocktails for fame. Nevertheless, Page appreciates Garry as a fighter.
Michael Venom Page speaks on the hate around Ian Garry
Ian Garry had an outspoken personality, which some fight fans find interesting. However, after he married much older Layla Anna-Lee and the subsequent change of his surname, Garry garnered hate from the MMA community, particularly from Sean Strickland.
Michael Venom Page speaks about Ian Garry (Image via: IMAGO)Due to the hate, Garry and his wife have turned off the comments section of their social media channels. Michael Venom Page, Garry’s upcoming opponent, recently provided his take on why there is considerable hate for Garry.
I get how he [Ian Garry] can irk people. He can just trigger people with his personality, which makes you want to dislike him. A lot of fighters have a persona, a fight persona, and some people learn to switch it off, while others carry it through everything. I think that’s what it is with him, and I believe he’s relatively young.
Michael Venom Page via Sky Sports
Despite fighters like Strickland, Colby Covington, and Kevin Holland trolling Garry with his personal life, Page stated he would never do it. For Page, a martial artist should never bring the family of their opponents into trash talks.
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