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Tom Aspinall expects FRIEND Michael ‘Venom’ Page to remain unbothered by Ian Garry’s grappling under tutelage of Charles Oliveira

In recent times, Ian Garry has trained constantly under the guidance of coach Diego Lima and former champion Charles Oliveira . As such, many expect Garry to utilize grappling techniques when he faces Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303. However, Tom Aspinall does not think it will factor at all during UFC 303.

The interim champ noted that while he admires both Ian Garry and Michael Page, he leans towards his fellow Brit to win on June 29. Part of the reason is that Tom Aspinall has trained with him. Moreover, Aspinall felt people underestimate MVP’s grappling credentials.

I’m a fan of both guys, I like MVP a lot as a person and as a friend...and I think I give MVP the edge on it…. His grappling is massively underrated. Yeah, it's a fight I'm very interested in. Tom Aspinall to Joe Leigh of Title Sports Network (@TitleSportsNetwork)

Aspinall is a BJJ Black Belt and has an excellent ground game. Only recently did Aspinall and MVP train together. As such, he knows what MVP is capable of. Garry vs. MVP might likely only feature a striking contest. In the event that Garry will look to surprise Page with his grappling, Aspinall expects his fellow Brit to weather any storm.

Garry vs. MVP has huge implications as well. They will compete on the blockbuster card featuring Conor McGregor . Hence, their bout will receive a lot of eyeballs. The winner could jump into the title picture with a win. Leon Edwards will defend his title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304. The possibility of Edwards facing against fellow Brit MVP or former training partner Garry remains an enticing title fight for fans and the UFC.

Michael Page lauds ‘exceptional martial artist’ Tom Aspinall

UFC 304 marks the promotion’s fateful return to Manchester after nearly eight years. A card earlier, at UFC 303, features prime Brit sensation and fairly new signing Michael ‘Venom’ Page, who is out to make his mark. Aspinall has already picked MVP to prevail at all costs. Meanwhile, Page has the utmost respect for the interim heavyweight champion.

Tom Aspinall will defend his interim title against Curtis Blaydes in a rematch. The British heavyweight is a well-rounded martial artist, unlike any other fighter in the division. However, MVP praised Aspinall for his conduct outside the octagon.

There’s a lot of talk about how fighters are conducting themselves, Having seen Tom Aspinall...he is the kind of person and mixed martial artist that I want youngsters to idolize themselves with, knowing that they don’t need to run their mouth, being loud, being brash and being exceptionally rude...He is an exceptional martial artist, a lovely person...and I enjoyed working with him. Michael ‘Venom’ Page in a TNT Sports Exclusive (@TNTSports)

After substantial training together, Page accordingly has a feeling that Aspinall can be an inspirational figure for the generations of fighters to come. MVP and Aspinall will fight in the coming months. Both will have to emerge victorious, considering they both have undisputed title dreams.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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