Ian Garry gets Added to UFC 303

UFC 303 has just added another high-profile bout.

A welterweight clash between the undefeated Ian Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Michael "Venom" Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) was announced on Friday by UFC president Dana White. Garry, ranked No. 7 in the UFC welterweight division, is fresh off a split decision victory over Geoff Neal in February. The 26-year-old has quickly become one of the organization’s fastest-rising stars, seeking an opponent that could propel him toward a welterweight title shot.

Fighting out of Dublin, Ireland, Garry had expressed a strong desire to compete on the same card as fellow Irishman Conor McGregor, who is headlining the event against Michael Chandler. His wish has now been fulfilled. Garry initially aimed for a bout with former interim champion Colby Covington and was vocal about his frustration when Covington allegedly declined the fight. In Page, the UFC has found an opponent capable of generating significant public interest due to his electrifying fighting style.

Page, 37, who spent most of his career in Bellator, made his UFC debut in March with a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland. The London-based kickboxer is renowned for his spectacular highlight-reel finishes throughout his career.

Page began his MMA journey with a 14-fight winning streak before being halted by former Bellator champion Douglas Lima in the 2019 Bellator Welterweight World Grand Prix semifinals. In 2022, he narrowly lost a split decision to Logan Storley for the interim welterweight title but has consistently entertained fans with his dynamic fighting style. Page also ventured into bare-knuckle fighting, facing Mike Perry in BKFC in 2022, where he lost a close majority decision.

The addition of this welterweight showdown enhances the UFC 303 card, which White has touted as potentially the first UFC event to achieve a live gate of over $20 million.

UFC 303 is scheduled for June 29 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.