Despite dull fight, Kamaru Usman praises Ian Garry for ‘taking the path of least resistance’ against Michael ‘Venom’ Page – FirstSportz

Winning isn’t always pretty in MMA. That was evident from Ian Garry‘s outing against Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303. While the fight didn’t set the octagon alight, it did preserve the young Irishman’s undefeated status. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman commented on Garry’s performance.

Kamaru Usman called the young fighter’s approach “smart” and praised his strategy. He believed Garry’s approach was exactly what was needed to neutralize Page’s speed and punching ability. Garry’s wrestling may have made the fight boring, but it secured him the victory.

What Ian Garry did was the smart thing to do. Let me take the path of least resistance. Let me take him (Page) down and let me wrestle. And that’s what he did.

Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound podcast

Usman’s words may come as a surprise, given the lack of action in the fight. Gary threw a total of 19 significant punches in the entire 15 minutes, while Page only landed 21 significant punches. Still, action doesn’t always equal victory in MMA. Sometimes, playing it safe is the best route to success in the octagon.

As for Usman, he proved that even former champions can appreciate a tactical victory. It’s a reminder that there’s more to fighting than just throwing hands. So while Garry’s fight may not have gotten the pulse racing, it did get people talking, and in combat sports, that’s half the battle. Will Garry’s slow-burn strategy lead him to UFC gold? Only time will tell. For now, he has the approval of one of the division’s best.

Kamaru Usman puts the brakes on a potential title fight for Ian Garry

UFC fighters have always had their sights set on that coveted title shot, but sometimes reality checks come from unexpected quarters. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman recently shared his thoughts on rising star Ian Garry. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ had some sobering news for the young Irishman.

Kamaru Usman acknowledged Garry’s recent win over Michael “Venom” Page as a smart move. When it came to title fights, however, Usman slammed on the brakes. He pointed to the long line of big names that preceded Garry in the welterweight division.

You still got myself ahead of Ian Garry. Colby Covington ahead of Ian Garry. Gilbert Burns. Shavkhat Rakmanov. Belal Muhammad ahead of Ian Garry, who's about to fight (UFC welterweight champion) Leon Edwards. He's potentially one or two fights away depending on which fight it is or who's available at the time.

Kamaru Usman via The Pound 4 Pound podcast

Garry had recently mentioned the Kazakh phenomenon Shavkat Rakhmonov after his victory at UFC 303. Ralhmonov was set to face another undefeated (in the UFC) prospect, Jack Della Maddalenabut he was forced to withdraw. Usman’s assessment serves as a reality check for Garry, as the road to UFC gold is paved with tough opponents and grueling fights.

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