Michael 'Venom' Page brands Ian Machado Garry a 'fake Conor McGregor' ahead of UFC 303 collision
26/06/2024 18:09
Despite making a clear effort to do things his own way, Ian Garry has been branded a ‘fake Conor McGregor’ by his nemesis Michael ‘Venom’ Page.
The rivals will finally settle their differences on Saturday evening in an eagerly-anticipated clash at UFC 303 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page calls Ian Garry a ‘fake Conor McGregor’
With his grudge match with Ian Garry just days away, Michael ‘Venom’ Page is doing everything in his power to get under his opponent’s skin.
Throughout his career, the former kickboxing world champion has made a reputation for his wild antics. From unleashing his unique brand of trash-talking to wowing crowds with his Pokemon-themed victory celebrations, the Londoner always knows how to put on a show.
Throughout the build-up to his latest clash, he’s hammered his nemesis with a ferocious verbal onslaught, including comments that the Irishman copies Conor McGregor.
Both hailing from the Emerald Isle, it comes as no surprise that Garry spent his younger years looking up to the 2x UFC King.
However, some believe the 26-year-old has styled his entire personality around ‘The Notorious’, which has played into his rival’s hands.
Page has used these accusations to fuel the war of words, recently roasting Garry in an interview with ESPN.
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The flashy striker said: “My thing is, he is a fake version of Conor McGregor. I understand he is inspired by him, but I think he is trying a bit too hard to walk the same path instead of walking his own path.
With an explosive fight style and the gift of the gab, the comparisons between Garry and the biggest star in the history of the sport are countless.
However, perhaps the similarities are mere coincidences with Ireland simply producing fantastic fighters with quick wits.
Regardless, ‘MVP’ is continuing to prod the bear, predicting his adversary’s downfall.
He asserted: “I think when you try too hard to fill someone else's boots, you trip up.”
However, while some may view the MMA star’s comments as mere trash talk, he’s actually speaking from a position of experience.
Michael Venom Page talks about being compared to Anderson Silva
With such a versatile array of strikes and a highlight reel full to the brim with exciting knockouts, it comes as no surprise that fans have drawn comparisons between MVP and the great Anderson Silva.
When the British athlete first transitioned to MMA from kickboxing, fans quickly noticed the similarities between the pair of esteemed strikers.
However, unlike the Garry-McGregor situation, people compared Page to the former UFC champion out of respect.
But despite the kind words, MVP wasn’t keen on what the viewers had to say.
While having his name in the same conversation as the former middleweight title-holder is a magnificent accomplishment, MVP didn’t want to be put in a box, instead going above and beyond to craft his own legacy in the sport.
He told ESPN: “I remember when I first got to MMA, everyone was like, you're the UK Anderson Silva. It is a compliment, and I appreciate it. But I did not try to follow his path.”
The 37-year-old has enjoyed a marvelous career, full of moments that will live with the fans forever. However, he’s still missing the UFC title he so desperately craves, and if he can beat Garry, he’ll move one step closer to reaching that dream.
