Michael Web page thinks Ian Machado Garry has been appearing out of character forward of their UFC 303 conflict – and he sees that as an indication or respect.
Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has turn into a polarizing determine within the sport partly on account of his outspoken and assured nature. It’s a part of the explanation “Venom” wished to combat him, however Web page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has observed a distinction since signal contracts have been signed for the welterweight showdown on June 29 at T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
“There’s positively quite a lot of respect there – he even sounds much more respectful than he has with another fighters by way of his promotion and stuff,” Web page instructed MMA Junkie. “I feel simply generally he’s simply making an attempt to advertise and make some noise within the build-up of the combat. He’s truly been much more respectful than he has (previously), so I feel that claims so much.
“He doesn’t appear to be his traditional self. However for me it’s all enjoyable and video games. On the finish of the day crucial factor is the outcome within the cage. I wish to have enjoyable and go back-and-forth right here and there and have slightly banter, however I don’t over learn into these issues. It’s all about combat day.”
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A longtime Bellator contender and former title challenger, “MVP” made his anticipated octagon debut at UFC 299 in March and earned a unanimous choice victory over Kevin Holland. He now will get one other notable matchup within the undefeated Garry, whom Web page has respect for, however isn’t notably threatened by.
“I feel he’s a proficient fighter,” Web page mentioned. “Nothing that I see being very distinctive or overly harmful. However he’s very affected person and he’s very well-timed and you may see he’s a really skilled fighter. However aside from that, nothing that I must overly fear about.
“I’m going in there and inside the first two minutes, I land some nice photographs after which knock him out. The rationale I say within the first two minutes is as a result of we don’t receives a commission for additional time. So go in there, have slightly little bit of enjoyable, present my abilities, after which put him to mattress after which onto the following and I’m going on and have a pleasant vacation there.”
If Web page, an honorable point out within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings, is ready to get his hand raised in opposition to No. 12-ranked Garry, he shall be on a powerful trajectory towards a championship alternative.
Web page, 37, has already expressed his want to have an all-British title combat with Leon Edwards in an soccer stadium in England if each hold successful. Ought to he get the job carried out at UFC 303, Web page mentioned he sees former champion Kamaru Usman as the right title to raise him right into a crack at gold.
“I’m simply making an attempt to make sense of the place doubtlessly issues may land subsequent,” Web page mentioned. “I need to get straight to the highest spot. And if it’s not going to be after this subsequent combat, I’ve to combat any individual that sort of ensures me combating for the belt subsequent, and I feel that’s the combat that does sort of assure me to combat for the belt subsequent.
“It’s extra to do with simply the place. Clearly his title, standing – there’s just a few issues. However aside from that it’s not a private factor. It’s not like one thing that I’ve seen. I simply assume that’s an incredible combat for the followers and clearly taking his place extra ensures me to get that belt.”
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