New UFC star Michael ‘Venom’ Page eyes UK clash with Ian Machado Garry

Michael “Venom” Page has called out Ian Machado Garry for a potential UFC clash in the UK, after making a successful debut in the promotion this month.

London welterweight Page was a standout in Bellator before making his long-awaited UFC debut, in which he outpointed Kevin Holland at UFC 299 on 9 March.

Page, 36, entered the UFC welterweight rankings with his win over Holland, and now “MVP” has turned his attention to the divisive Garry.

“Just looking at the rankings, I think the one that makes the most sense would be Ian Garry,” Page said on The MMA Hour on Wednesday (20 March).

“Considering he thought I wasn’t going to get past Kevin... There was an interview he did, I’m not sure on what. They asked him his views on me, he was like: ‘Who is he fighting? Oh, he’s not going to beat Kevin. No way he gets past Kevin.’ Very dismissive, which is fine.

“People ask me about my views; everyone is entitled to their opinion, there’s no need to be angry about it, but now I’ve gotten past [Holland] and maybe you could stop me?”

Page also expressed a desire to fight Irishman Garry in the UK.

“It’s perfect,” Page said. “That would be a lot of noise there, and I think it’s a good fight. I think he’s ranked seventh, seven is my lucky number.

“He’s a great fighter. Again, no need to be negative towards anybody. He’s sparked a lot of emotional reactions from a lot of people – from his personality, his performances. He’s doing good, but I definitely believe I can beat him, so why not?”

Garry last fought in February, beating Geoff Neal via decision at UFC 298. The win kept the 26-year-old unbeaten at 14-0.