Ian Machado Garry maintained his undefeated record in the PPV opener at UFC 303 with a unanimous decision win over Michael “Venom” Page.
Like many expected, the fight was a tense affair where “MVP” got the better of the fight whilst it stayed standing.
Garry heavily utilized his grappling for the first time inside the Octagon to take the first and third rounds on the scorecards.
The Irishman was able to take his opponent’s back in both rounds with Page unable to escape the body triangle on both occasions.
In his post-fight interview, Garry spoke about knowing that he would need to mix up his approach in this fight and made it clear that he wants to continue working his way towards the welterweight title.
MMA Fans React To Ian Garry’s Closely Contested Win Over Michael ‘Venom’ Page
Given the words that were exchanged ahead of this fight and Garry’s already somewhat controversial reputation, this fight was always going to be divisive.
Though it wasn’t necessarily the striking stalemate that some believed their styles would make it, the grappling-heavy focus from Garry didn’t make for the most entertaining of clashes either.
Some even believed that “MVP” should have got his hand raised for his efforts where he was able to somewhat consistently land strikes on his opponent.
MMA facts reacted to this meeting of 170-pound strikers that was decided by takedowns and control.
Praying the next two fights go quick as a UK watcher by this point. Garry/MVP just pissed me off and I can't be arsed now #UFC303
— 「Siretsk」 (@Siretskk) June 30, 2024
Funny thing is. I’m actually taking a bathroom break during this fight lol#UFC303 #UFC
— Jeet (@jeetisnotunique) June 30, 2024
MVP had this fight if we're being honest. Ian only had the first round and the end of the third round #UFC303 https://t.co/83OUlPM7Ds
— (@xoxo_maris_u) June 30, 2024
Ufc gotta stop rewarding fighters who just hold you and dont even try to advance their position on the ground or in the clinch.. Neither fighters should be getting points from that from the judges.. #UFC303 https://t.co/MUhZu0zs3i
— JF (@joefasho209) June 30, 2024
Some will be critical of Ian Machado Garry, but I was impressed by his poise and patience in a difficult fight. He didn't take unnecessary chances against an opponent with a tough style to deal with. This was a big win for him. #UFC303
— Trent Reinsmith (@TrentReinsmith) June 30, 2024
Kills me that Garry is Irish but so unlikable #UFC303
— James Callan (@jayjaycal4) June 30, 2024
I don’t know who won this fight but everyone lost one that one #ufc303
— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry definitely had a game plan tonight. A win is a win, and ppl forget about the fight, but will remember the win! #UFC303
— Dustin Jacoby (@thehanyakdj) June 30, 2024
I definitely think patience is important and Garry was patient, but that is a different and lower level of striking than effectively feinting to draw out responses and then countering THAT. https://t.co/hiEFbE30Gv
— Luke Thomas ️♀️ (@lthomasnews) June 30, 2024
Garry did exactly what he needed to do to win the fight. Not always exciting but obviously it works. Hats off to Garry for working on his grappling. Congrats #UFC303
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) June 30, 2024
Ian Garry is a joke he should not be proud of this performance
— ʙᴏᴏᴋᴇʀɪꜱʜɪᴍ (@CurlyheadMat) June 30, 2024
Send Ian Garry to PFL @danawhite
— Devin Martin (@theedevinmartin) June 30, 2024
