Yuma, Ariz. — When the UFC needed a main event competitor to step in on short notice for Noche UFC on September 12 at Glendale’s Desert Diamond Arena, they turned to Yuma’s own Jose Delgado. Taking the fight against Jean Silva after Yair Rodriguez was forced to withdraw, Delgado now finds himself atop a major UFC fight card in his home state.

Exclusive Delgado Q&A:

We caught up with Delgado to discuss taking the fight on short notice, headlining in Arizona, and inspiring the next generation of youth in Yuma.

What’s Up Yuma: What was your initial reaction when you got the call to step into a UFC main event against Jean Silva on short notice?

“It was an insane feeling, man. My lady and I were packing up and getting ready to move into a new apartment when I got the call saying there might be an opportunity to fight at Noche UFC. They told me it was a big opportunity and asked if I could make the weight and if I’d be willing to take the fight.”

“I sat with it for an hour or two and thought about all the pros and cons. I thought about everything and prayed on it. Ultimately, once I started watching the fight in my head, seeing myself standing across from Jean Silva and picturing the arena filled with my family and everyone who cares about and supports me, the decision became a no-brainer. I’m taking this fight.”

Has it fully set in that your name is at the top of the poster for a card full of premier Mexican fighters?

“Honestly, you might have to check back with me on that because I don’t know if it has fully hit me yet.”

“I think every day about being the main event of Noche UFC – a card filled to the brim with some of the best modern Mexican warriors the UFC and the world have to offer. It’s an incredible honor and privilege to headline that card. I understand the responsibility that comes with it. My goal is to put on a show and deliver a stunning performance, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

It’s a Childhood Dream Fulfilled

You started training at 10 years old at Arizona Athletic Club in Yuma. What would that 10-year-old kid say about headlining a UFC event three hours from home?

“Ten-year-old me would be losing his freaking mind right now. Are you kidding me? The story doesn’t get any better than this. It’s in my home state, only three hours away from Yuma – the city where I grew up and a place I love.”

“I wasn’t the cockiest kid at 10 years old. I used to whisper this dream to myself because I didn’t want it to break. It felt so fragile. But I could always see it. I could envision myself making those walks and having these big moments. I wanted it badly back then, and now I get to live it. It’s a childhood dream fulfilled.”

Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona

Influences on Career Journey

Mike Garcia and Chance Farrar played key roles in your early training. What has Chance meant to your career journey?

“Chance Farrar created a wonderful gym where I trained when I first got into mixed martial arts, so he played a huge role in my career in that regard. As far as a personal relationship goes, he and I don’t really have one. But I’ll always have a lot of love for Chance and what he did for the MMA community in Yuma, Arizona.”

You’ve mentioned watching Cain Velasquez fight as a kid and seeing, ‘Born in Yuma, Arizona’ on the screen. What does it mean to be that figure for Yuma kids today?

“I think about those kids a lot. Growing up, I wasn’t the cockiest or most confident kid. I was pretty timid. I think about the fact that Yuma has had one of the worst unemployment rates in the nation. Growing up in that environment, a lot of us felt those limitations and maybe even overemphasized them. There were a lot of limiting beliefs that I had to overcome.”

“At the end of the day, I’m nothing special. This is just belief and hard work. That’s what it took for me to reach this point, and I hope that inspires those kids to follow their dreams, whatever those dreams may be. I’m beyond proud, and I’m hopeful that this performance will inspire the next generation of kids from Yuma and around the world.”

Taking this fight on short notice against a dangerous opponent in Jean Silva requires absolute confidence. Where does that belief come from?

“My belief is so strong going into this fight with Jean Silva. This represents 18 years of hard work and dedication. I’ve poured my soul into this sport for as long as I can remember.”

“I’ve been preparing for moments like this for so long, and I know I have what it takes not only to beat Jean Silva, but to accomplish every dream I’ve ever set for myself. September 12 is the next big step in that direction.”

Following victories over Andre Fili and Austin Bashi, is a win here the final step before a title shot?

“Brother, there’s nothing left after I take out Jean Silva except the belt. We’re bringing a UFC championship back to Yuma, Arizona. That’s the goal, that’s the motivation, and that’s what’s going to happen.”

Fighting out of Yuma, AZ

What will it mean to you when you step out at Desert Diamond Arena and hear, ‘fighting out of Yuma, Arizona…’?

“My, oh my. I can hear it now. I can picture my name in lights and see ‘Yuma, Arizona’ up there. I know it’s going to be sweet.”

All of Yuma will be cheering for Jose as he steps into the Octagon for the biggest fight of his career. We’re proud to see one of our own representing Yuma on the UFC’s biggest stage, and we can’wait to watch him take the next step toward bringing a championship belt home.

Show Your Support for Yuma’s Champions

Want to be there to support Jose in person?

Event: Noche UFC 2026 (Noche UFC 4)
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Venue: Desert Diamond Arena — Glendale, Arizona
Bout: Silva vs. Delgado
Get tickets for Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado.

What’s Up Yuma – Local news that makes a difference.

WHAT’S UP YUMA?