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Andreas Hale, ESPN
UFC 303 has added another marquee fight.
A welterweight showdown between the undefeated Ian Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Michael “Venom” Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was announced Friday by UFC president Dana White.
Garry, 26, is the UFC’s No. 7-ranked welterweight and is coming off of a split decision victory over Geoff Neal in his last outing in February. Garry has become one of the fastest-rising stars in the organization and has sought an opponent that would get him close to a welterweight title opportunity.
Fighting out of Dublin, Ireland, Garry had been vocal about wanting to compete on a card alongside fellow Irishman Conor McGregor — who faces Michael Chandler in the main event — and his wish has been granted. Garry had targeted a fight with former interim champion Colby Covington and was frustrated when Covington allegedly turned down the fight.
The UFC found Garry an opponent who could generate more public interest because of his exciting fighting style.
Page, 37, spent the bulk of his MMA career in Bellator before making his UFC debut in March with a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland. The kickboxer out of London, England, has had a penchant for highlight-reel finishes throughout his career.
Page started his MMA career with a 14-fight winning streak before being stopped by former Bellator champion Douglas Lima in the semifinals of the Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix semifinals in 2019. He fell short with a split decision loss when he challenged Logan Storley for the interim welterweight title in 2022 but has consistently thrilled with his fighting style. Page also tried his hand at bare-knuckle fighting and challenged Mike Perry in BKFC in 2022. He lost a close majority decision.
The addition of the welterweight battle bolsters the UFC card that White has stated is trending to be the first UFC event with a live gate of over $20 million.
UFC 303 takes place June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.