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 develop into a polarizing determine within the sport partially because of his outspoken and assured nature. It’s a part of the explanation “Venom” wished to struggle him, however Web page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) has seen a distinction since signal contracts had been signed for the welterweight showdown on June 29 at T-Cellular Area in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
“There’s positively numerous respect there – he even sounds much more respectful than he has with another fighters by way of his promotion and stuff,” Web page advised MMA Junkie. “I believe simply normally he’s simply making an attempt to advertise and make some noise within the build-up of the struggle. He’s really been much more respectful than he has (previously), so I believe that claims so much.
“He doesn’t appear to be his regular self. However for me it’s all enjoyable and video games. On the finish of the day a very powerful factor is the consequence within the cage. I prefer to have enjoyable and go back-and-forth right here and there and have a little bit banter, however I don’t over learn into these issues. It’s all about struggle 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 significantly threatened by.
“I believe he’s a gifted fighter,” Web page stated. “Nothing that I see being very distinctive or overly harmful. However he’s very affected person and he’s very well-timed and you’ll see he’s a really skilled fighter. However aside from that, nothing that I have to overly fear about.
“I am going in there and throughout the first two minutes, I land some nice photographs after which knock him out. The explanation 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 a little bit little bit of enjoyable, present my expertise, after which put him to mattress after which onto the following and I am 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 will probably be on a powerful trajectory towards a championship alternative.
Web page, 37, has already expressed his want to have an all-British title struggle with Leon Edwards in an soccer stadium in England if each maintain successful. Ought to he get the job finished at UFC 303, Web page stated he sees former champion Kamaru Usman as the proper identify to raise him right into a crack at gold.
“I’m simply making an attempt to make sense of the place doubtlessly issues might land subsequent,” Web page stated. “I wish to get straight to the highest spot. And if it’s not going to be after this subsequent struggle, I’ve to struggle any person that type of ensures me combating for the belt subsequent, and I believe that’s the struggle that does type of assure me to struggle for the belt subsequent.
“It’s extra to do with simply the place. Clearly his identify, standing – there’s a number of 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 important struggle for the followers and clearly taking his place extra ensures me to get that belt.”
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