Former Bellator world champion Logan Storley is one of the only men who has been in the cage with both Michael ‘Venom’ Page and Ian Machado Garry.

The top welterweight fought Page for the interim Bellator belt in May of 2022, winning a controversial split decision in London. And while he never fought Garry, the pair were regular sparring partners during the Irishman’s stints training at Kill Cliff in Florida.

Storley himself will be otherwise engaged this week, as he faces Luca Poclit in a last-minute change-up to his second PFL Regular Season bout. In a rare twist, he will need a second or first round knockout in order to stand a chance of making the playoffs.

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Logan Storley gives his pick for Ian Machado Garry vs Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303

Having experienced how both men operate inside the cage, Logan Storley may be one of the most qualified analysts for this weekend’s showdown at UFC 303 in Las Vegas. Ian Machado Garry is the younger by 11 years, while Michael ‘Venom’ Page has extensive experience from around the world.

“It’s a really really interesting fight,” Storley said in an exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow. “I think if Ian Garry goes for the calf kicks and uses his really great head kick maybe he could slow him down and MVP likes to drop his hands, while his speed and movement will be a little difficult for Ian right away.

“But I honestly think that’s a toss-up fight for me. I truly don’t know what is going to happen. I think it’s going to be a very close fight, I don’t see MVP knocking him out, I think that potentially Ian could with a kick.

“Ian has really, really good high kicks and maybe MVP will walk on to one of those. But his speed is going to be difficult unless Ian goes to those calf kicks and slows him down.”

Logan Storley happy to see Michael ‘Venom’ Page succeed after Bellator showdown

The May 2022 bout between Storley and Page at Wembley Arena left British fans with a sour taste as the American escaped with a victory after a tight five rounds. It had felt like their story was unfinished, but now the Brit has left Bellator and joined the UFC it seems that rematch will never come.

But Storley is delighted to see his old rival’s success, adding: “I think it’s cool to see him doing so well. Like when Mike [Chandler] went over, I like seeing these guys go over and do well, I saw he fought Kevin Holland and looked really good.

“So really when the guys you’ve fought continue to do better and better it is actually great for you too. Right now I’m just more worried about myself and this tournament and making sure that I can get myself into these playoffs.”