9. Ian Garry vs Michael “MVP” Venom Page
Although Ian Garry vs MVP is undoubtedly a good fight, many fans may have an unrealistic expectation of what Michael Page in the UFC will be like. Ian Garry is a supremely defensive fighter and a more well-rounded striker than Page, so he is likely to slow this fight down a lot and may even wrestle. Although the level of the fight is high and it seems competitive on paper, the excitement factor — the top criterium for this list — is lower than other fights on here.
MVP is a master showman though, and even in defeat can be counted on to do a few interesting things that spice up a fight. And of course, there is always the potential for a highlight reel knockout or a bloody brawl. However, I consider that far less likely than Ian Garry submitting MVP or winning a tepid decision. Garry has never lost, and moving from Geoff Neal to MVP seems like a lateral step at best, maybe even a step backwards.
Yet the striking skill in the octagon cannot be denied. Both men are obviously capable of highlight reel finishes, though MVP’s competition was suspect, and Garry wins more decisions in the UFC than finishes— though his head kick knockout of Daniel Rodriguez (which he called beforehand) proves he can put away good fighters. Either way, a fight this high-profile and hotly debated, with this much relevance to good fighters in a good division, must be given its flowers. The winner will be one fight away from a title shot as champ Leon Edwards gears up to defend his belt next month. MVP, at age 37, must be preparing to bow out of the sport, but not before leaving his last marks on his legacy. Across from him will stand the young, undefeated Irish phenom, who feels the invincibility of youth and could turn any given vet into a stepping stone for him.
-Val Dewar
