Ian Machado Garry says Michael Page offered money for information

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, the comments were laudatory, but the remarks took a trashier turn during Wednesday’s media day. On Thursday, things took another turn 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 confidence is fucked. You know what I’m talking about. It will come out. It will come out, kid, but your brain screams for excuses.

Page smiled and took the microphone, but before a full sentence could be uttered, Garry verbally challenged him again.

“Did you and your team offer thousands of dollars to get information about Chute Boxe from my guys?” Garry asked. “Did you text someone and offer thousands of dollars to get information. And you couldn’t infiltrate the camp. You couldn’t get in. The Chute Boxe family is too tight. 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’re never fighting again after this fight. You and your jiu-jitsu coach are banned for life.”

Page responded: “Shut up.”

The Nevada Athletic Commission’s (NAC) statutes on unarmed combat do not appear to specifically refer to spying in training camps as a violation, so it is unclear if it was referring to a medical suspension, disciplinary suspension or something else.

Regardless of what Garry was talking about, a backstage video of the two fighters showed a very different demeanor 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

For more information on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s UFC 303 Event Hub.