After a tentative opening few minutes, Machado Garry took advantage of a slip from Prates as he opened up a cut below his left eye with a heavy punch to the grounded Brazilian.

The Irishman started to use his range effectively, landing punch combinations as he out-struck Prates and took control in the second round.

A blitz of uppercuts stunned Prates in the third, who was struggling to stifle Machado Garry’s movement and land any telling shots.

But with the fight heading into the latter stages, Prates came alive, pressuring Machado Garry to find a home for a big left and flying knee.

With minutes remaining, Prates reversed a takedown from Machado Garry before landing some big shots on the ground.

The crowd roared on the action at T-Mobile Centre hoping for a finish, but Machado Garry survived until the end of the fight to secure the win on the judges’ scorecards.

In his post-fight interview, Machado Garry revealed he is the back-up fighter for the welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on 10 May.

“My entire goal is to prove I’m one of the most game fighters who has ever existed. I’ve got the fighting Irish in my blood and this is what’s next for me,” he added.