Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry got back in the win column on Saturday, defeating Carlos Prates in the UFC Kansas City main event via unanimous decision.
The 27-year old Machado Garry entered the featured fight coming off the first loss of his career. He dropped a decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December but rebounded on Saturday.
“I told everyone what I was going to do. I was going to outclass him and I believe I did that,” Machado Garry said following the win over Prates.
With the win, Machado Garry revealed that he’s the ‘official backup’ for the UFC 315 welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
“My entire goal in this game is to prove that I’m one of the most game fighters that’s ever existed,” he said. “I’ve got the fighting Irish in my blood, in my soul. It’s part of my history.
“This is what’s next for me. 21 days notice against Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. 25 days notice against this man tonight (Prates). He’s a beast. In two weeks time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight and I’m next in line for that world title.”
UFC 315 takes place at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 10. The welterweight title bout headlines the fight card.