A Welterweight contender takes one other step ahead within the divisional rankings at UFC 303 this weekend (Sat., June 29, 2024).
Michael “Venom” Web page is losing no time trying to ascend the Welterweight ladder in UFC after a profitable debut towards Kevin Holland at UFC 299 in March 2024. The unanimous determination victory lined Web page up for his sophomore outing reverse undefeated 14-0 Irish star, Ian Machado Garry, as UFC 303’s primary card opening bout.
Making his identify in Bellator earlier than he arrived in UFC, Web page caught loads of flack for the matchmaking he was offered by his previous promotion. Had this Garry battle occurred underneath that umbrella, he believes it might have been handled the identical.
“Any such battle, had it occurred outdoors of the UFC, most individuals would have been like, ‘You’re combating a can, why you combating this man?’” Web page stated at UFC 303 media day. “They’d have had so many various issues to say and it’s the very same battle within the UFC, and everybody’s opinions have modified now. Like, ‘You’re combating top-level guys now, and this and that.’
“I had lots of people saying I wouldn’t be capable to contend within the Prime 10. Now I’m combating somebody that’s ranked seventh and lots of people are like, ‘Yeah, you’re gonna kick his ass’ (laughs) It adjustments so drastically.”
Web page, 37, didn’t look misplaced towards Holland in what was arguably one of the best efficiency of his 24-fight profession (22-2). Traditionally, “MVP” has been a highlight-reel machine and desires to maintain exhibiting it’s simply been a results of his expertise moderately than how he was booked.
“I’ve been saying for a lot of, a few years I spar lots of UFC guys. I already know that I’m at that degree,” Web page stated. “I didn’t come right here to show it to anyone else. It’s a terrific cherry on prime, however I wasn’t coming right here to show to everyone else, I already knew I may try this.
“What I’m saying is, for instance, the likes of let’s say a Ross Houston,” he continued. “I bear in mind getting that battle and the adverse pushback I received from it, they (Houston and Garry) got here from the identical place. The distinction is one went to Bellator and one went to UFC. I perceive the magnitude of UFC and the branding and stuff so I get that, however I really feel like generally individuals are fooled by simply the branding and never the precise fighters themselves and so they’re not truly analyzing the fighters and fights themselves.”
Keep in mind that MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of your entire UFC 303 battle card proper right here, beginning with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches on-line, that are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET), earlier than the pay-per-view (PPV) primary card begin time at 10 p.m. ET (additionally on ESPN+).
To take a look at the most recent and best UFC 303: “Alex vs. Jiri 2” information and notes you’ll want to hit up our complete occasion archive proper right here.
