Michael ‘Venom’ Page is all set for his second UFC appearance on Saturday night at UFC 303, and the English welterweight contender is targeting another eye-catching victory when he takes on undefeated Irishman Ian Machado Garry in the main card opener at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Facing undefeated opposition may mean a lot to some of the fans watching the event, with Machado Garry having never tasted defeat in his career. But for “MVP,” he sees it as a positive for him, as he knows he’s facing a fighter who hasn’t faced the full gamut of emotions and experiences of being a fighter at the elite level.
“The zero losses thing, I was there once, it doesn’t mean anything,” he told Bets.io.
“I think it gives the opponent a false sense of security that they are invincible until they come up against somebody like me. So I think it’s just a mindset that you have as an undefeated fighter that carries you through each fight.
“But my experience outweighs his confidence and mentality. Towards the end I’ll break him. I’m known for breaking people’s confidence in the in the in the cage, so definitely.”
Victory over Machado Garry could put Page into the top 10, and close to the division’s top five. And if he succeeds in handing the Irishman his first L, the Englishman thinks that he’ll need one more against a top-drawer opponent to secure a title fight next year.
And, when asked if there was a particular name from the welterweight top five he would like to fight to earn his shot at the gold, he had no hesitation with his reply.
“It would definitely be Usman,” he stated.
“He’s number one ranked. It means more, he’s a bigger name and the more established fighter out of the two. So, you know, a win over him almost guarantees me to get a title fight.
“So, if that fight was to happen, that’d be great, because I’d look forward to it.”
Page is competing with his sights set on UFC glory. But he also competes for those around him, and he lifted the lid a little on what inspires and motivates him as he looks to notch another crowd-pleasing victory on Saturday night.
“Legacy definitely motivates me. Family motivates me,” he said.
“And when I say family, when I’m talking about family, I mean just making sure everyone that I love and care for around me in my circle is now looked after.
“The more I progress up in life, not only am I securing my legacy, and you know, in this world, and inspiring many, but I’m also making sure that my family are secure. So that is what motivates me.”
Michael Venom Page was speaking to Bets.io, the leading crypto casino and sportsbook platform ahead of his fight vs Ian Garry this coming weekend at UFC 303. Earlier this year Bets.io secured a long-term partnership with the British MMA icon.
