Winning isn’t always pretty in MMA. This was evident from Ian Garry’s outing against Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303. While the fight didn’t set the octagon ablaze, it did maintain undefeated status for the young Irishman. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman weighed in on Garry’s performance.
Kamaru Usman called the young fighter’s approach “smart” and praised his strategy. He believed that Garry’s approach was exactly what was needed to neutralize Page’s speed and striking prowess. Garry’s grappling may have made the fight boring, but it secured him the win.
What Ian Garry did was the smart thing to do. Let me chase the path of least resistance. Let me take him [Page] down and let me grapple. And he did just that.
Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound podcast
Usman’s words might be surprising, given the lack of action seen in the fight. Gary threw a total of 19 significant strikes in the entire 15 minutes, while Page had just 21 total significant strikes. Nevertheless, action doesn’t always equate to wins in MMA. Sometimes, playing it safe remains the best route to success inside the octagon.
As for Usman, he proved that even former champs can appreciate a tactical victory. It’s a reminder that there’s more to fighting than just throwing hands. So, while Garry’s fight might not have set pulses racing, it did get people talking, and in the fight game, that’s half the battle. Will Garry’s slow-burn strategy lead him to UFC gold? Only time will tell. For now, he’s got the approval of one of the division’s best.
Kamaru Usman pumps the brakes on a potential title shot for Ian Garry
UFC fighters are always eyeing that coveted title shot, but sometimes, reality checks come from unexpected sources. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently shared his thoughts on rising star Ian Garry. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ had some sobering news for the young Irishman.
Ian Garry and Kamaru Usman (via MMA Fighting/ Sports Illustrated) Kamaru Usman acknowledged Garry’s recent victory over Michael “Venom” Page as a smart move. However, when it came to the title shot talk, Usman pumped the brakes hard. He pointed out the long line of big-name contenders ahead of Garry in the welterweight division.
You still got myself ahead of Ian Garry. Colby Covington ahead of Ian Garry. Gilbert Burns. Shavkhat Rakmanov. Belal Muhammad ahead of Ian Garry, who’s about to fight [UFC welterweight champion] Leon Edwards. He’s potentially one or two fights away depending on which fight it is or who’s available at the time.
Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound podcast
Garry had recently called out the Kazakh phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov after his victory at UFC 303. Ralhmonov was set to face another undefeated (in UFC) prospect, Jack Della Maddalena, but he had to withdraw. Usman’s assessment serves as a reality check for Garry as the road to UFC gold is paved with tough opponents and grueling fights.
