Jose Delgado showed tremendous killer instinct in his octagon debut win against Connor Matthews on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 251.
The Dana White’s Contender Series signee Delgado (9-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) shined in the featherweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas when he hurt Matthews (7-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with a spinning backfist then straight punch that led to a knockdown. He pounced and got mount then unleashed a flurry to put his opponent out cold at the 2:58 mark of Round 1.
Check out the replay of Delgado’s handiwork below (via X):
Jose Miguel Delgado with a statement win in his debut
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— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 15, 2025
After the fight, Delgado expressed pride in his performance and said he hopes this is the start on what he expects to be a championship career under the UFC banner.
“I’m young in this game, but I’m 16 years. Today I made my dream real. I knew I would get him. There’s no way I wasn’t. I was going to get this. I want the belt. I don’t got anybody to call out right now. Once I get top 15 and I’ve earned that right, I will call guys out. I’m here to be the best.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 251 results include:
- Jose Delgado def. Connor Matthews via knockout (elbows) – Round 1, 2:58
- Angela Hill def. Ketlen Souza via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Rafael Estevam def. Jesus Aguilar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Gabriel Bonfim def. Khaos Williams via technical submission (D’Arce choke) – Round 2, 4:58
- Elijah Smith def. Vince Morales via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Valter Walker def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:17
- Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.
