[autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] and [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag] meet Saturday on the main card of UFC 303 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 52-49-2
Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page UFC 303 preview
Garry vs. Page is being described as a “pivotal” fight in the UFC welterweight division, which it most certainly is, but will it be exciting? That remains to be seen, but the matchup of ranked 170 pounders has its share of doubters. … Garry will step into the cage still undefeated after beating Geoff Neal this past February, but it was anything but a statement victory as it lacked action and failed to meet the big Conor McGregor-style of trash talk Garry delivers. … Page, a former Bellator title challenger, got his UFC tenure off to a solid start with a one-sided unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland, but even that performance left fans wanting more.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page UFC 303 expert pick, prediction
Despite having a perfect main-card opener like Cub Swanson vs. Andre Fili booked for this very same event, the UFC matchmakers continue to sully Joe Silva’s memory and his surefire method of kicking off main cards with lightweight or featherweight fights.
Although this welterweight selection between Garry and Page is undeniably an intriguing and important contest, I’m not sure it will deliver the action that some are expecting.
I hope I’m wrong given that I’m a fan of both fighters, I just suspect the length parity – coupled with Page’s countering sensibilities – gives us all the makings for a high-level staring contest.
Garry gets a lot of hate for his persona, but I believe he’s a talented fighter who has a decently high ceiling in this division. And though I don’t disagree with Garry being favored in this spot, I have a sneaky suspicion that Page could be a stylistic nightmare considering the lack of counter strikers we’ve seen him face.
For that reason, I’ll take a flier on MVP to snake-charm both Garry and the cageside judges en route to a decision win.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page UFC 303 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are siding with the younger party, listing Garry (-162) and Page (+126) via FanDuel.
Ian Machado Garry vs. Michael Page UFC 303 start time, how to watch
As the main card opener, Garry and Page are expected to make their walks to the cage at approximately 10:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). The fight streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303.