MIAMI – Michael Page is brushing off Ian Machado Garry’s prediction for his fight.
Page (21-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his promotional debut against Kevin Holland (25-10 MMA, 12-7 UFC) on Saturday at UFC 299 (pay-per-view, ESPNews, ESPN+) from Kaseya Center.
Rising welterweight contender Garry was asked his thoughts on “MVP” signing with the UFC, and the undefeated Irishman said he doesn’t like Page’s chances against Holland.
“There’s no f*cking way he beats Kevin Holland,” Garry said during UFC 298 media day last month. “So, no. There’s no way.”
When asked what he thinks of Garry dismissing him, Page saw it as a sign of intimidation.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinions,” Page told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I don’t need to crush anybody for their opinion. He’s allowed to share his thoughts because he’s doing it at the top level now. I also think that’s a little bit of worry. I think that’s a little bit of, ‘I hope he gets crushed because it means I’m not in line for anything.’
“Because me winning means I’m potentially in line (for a title shot). You’re going to find a lot of people wishing for my downfall that are in the division, simply because they don’t want to cross me, and they know what that’s going to mean. That’s how I see it. I don’t need to tear him down for anything. Happy for your opinion, happy to take it on board and happy to throw it back in your face when I knock him out.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.
