Ian Machado Garry and Michael Page displayed a rollercoaster of respect levels in the build-up to their clash at UFC 303 on Saturday.
Initially complimentary, things got a little trashier during Wednesday’s media day. On Thursday, things went to another level during the pre-fight press conference when Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) accused Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) of attempting to acquire training information in exchange for money. .
“I’ve already destroyed so much of that man’s confidence,” Garry said. ” He knows. I don’t need to say what I’m talking about. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Your self-confidence is ruined. You know what I’m talking about. It’s going to come out. It’s going to come out, kid, but your brain is screaming at the top of its lungs for excuses. »
Page smiled and took the microphone, but before a complete sentence was spoken, Garry verbally challenged him further.
“Did you and your team offer thousands of dollars to get information about Chute Boxe from my guys? » asked Garry. “Did you message someone and offer thousands of dollars for information. And you couldn’t infiltrate the camp. You couldn’t get in there. The Chute Boxe family is too close-knit. Your little jiu-jitsu coach offered money to one of my Brazilian friends and you got nothing. Saturday night, you’re screwed. »
Page didn’t deny the allegations or actually acknowledge them, although he did smile while Garry ranted. Garry said Page and his coach would be suspended.
“All I know is you’re suspended after this fight,” Garry said. “You will never fight again after this fight. You and your jiu-jitsu coach are suspended for life.
Page responded: “Shut up.”
The Nevada Athletic Commission’s (NAC) bylaws on unarmed combat do not appear to specifically refer to spying on training camps as a violation, so it is unclear whether they were referring to a medical suspension, a disciplinary suspension, or something else.
Regardless of what Garry was talking about, behind-the-scenes video of both fighters showed very different behavior than on stage. Garry and Page shared a sweet moment with Garry’s young son, in a moment captured by UFC broadcast partner ESPN.
Ian Machado’s son Garry met Michael “Venom” Page after the press conference 🤝 #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/JHnyK1U81r
– ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 27, 2024
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News Source : mmajunkie.usatoday.com
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