Ian Machado Garry not interested in UFC fight with Michael Page

Ian Machado Garry doesn’t see a fight against Michael Page making sense for him.

Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) said on The MMA Hour that he’d like to fight Garry next, but Garry doesn’t reciprocate his sentiment.

Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has been campaigning to fight Colby Covington, and sees no benefit facing in lower-ranked Page.

“No – his number is not higher than mine,” Garry told Sky Sports. “I want to be the best in the world, and unless your number is higher than mine, I’m not interested.”

Page made good on his promotional debut when he defeated Kevin Holland at UFC 299 earlier this month, which landed him in the No. 13 spot in the UFC’s welterweight rankings. Garry initially said there’s no way “MVP” beats Holland, but has no issues eating his words.

“I’m glad he punched the mouth off Kevin Holland – that guy talks a lot of smack, as well,” Garry said. “That just proves he’s not good enough to be in the top 10. I’ll admit that I said I don’t think he beats him, but he surprised me. Well done. Kevin Holland looked terrible.”

With Garry ranked at No. 7 after beating Geoff Neal at UFC 298, he does not plan on fighting backwards.

“Unless he passes me in the division somehow and his number is higher than mine, (I have) zero interest,” Garry said.