Ian Machado Garry is back in the win column.

In Saturday night’s UFC main event in Kansas City, the Irish welterweight rebounded from the first defeat of his career in December against Shavkat Rakhmonov to win a decision against the dangerous striker Carlos Prates, ending the Brazilian’s 10-fight knockout streak in the process.

The win saw Garry dominate the majority of the five-round fight, save for the final minute where he appeared on the ropes as Prates surged forward seeking to claim a come-from-behind win.

And speaking afterwards to the media, including The Mac Life, Garry said that he was more than satisfied with his showing in the cage.

“I felt great. I was faster, I was more clinical,” he said. “My fight IQ was on point. I did everything I thought I was going to do except finish him. But he hits like a truck. He kept coming forward and you can see the experience in Muay Thai show off.

“But at the end of the day, you have to understand this guy had a full camp. [I had] 25 days notice. Back to back short notice fight against two of the best of this division, two of the most dangerous in this division — and I went out there and showed the world that I can beat anyone, anywhere, any time. And I can look f*cking great doing it.”

Things, though, could have been different had he succumbed to Prates late revival and Garry said he wasn’t quite sure what happened, even if he stated that he was fully in control of his faculties throughout.

“I’m going to have to go back and look at that,” Garry said. “I have no idea [what happened]. I think he caught me with something. I jumped on a leg and he defended well and we ended up in a scramble. I knew exactly where I was, I was completely present. There was one thing going through my head: Do not stop. Keep moving. Keep going.”

It was confirmed post-fight by UFC boss Dana White that Garry will now serve as the official backup fighter to the upcoming 170-pound title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena; something he said he deserves after his recent performances.

“I told [White], if I’m going a back to back thing and saving your ass you gotta give me the reward,” Garry said. “I didn’t need that part but I told him I want that. I want that reassurance, that when I get what I deserve I’m the official backup and I’m next. Whoever wins that fight if that fight goes ahead, that’s my next opponent.

“I am one of the best welterweights this world has ever seen. I’m 27 years of age. 9-1 in the UFC. I’m on a roll and I’m just going to get better and better and better.”