Contender Series vets Connor Matthews and Jose Delgado capped off the UFC Vegas 102 prelims on Saturday in a featherweight fight that doubled as Delgado’s promotional debut.
While Delgado was getting his first taste of the true UFC experience, 2023 DWCS winner Matthews had dropped his own debut to Dennis Buzukja last year.
There was a quick start between Matthews and Delgado with both men ready to work from the get-go. Delgado flashed some nasty kicks and off one, he spun around into a spinning back fist that nearly caught Matthews clean. There didn’t seem to be much in the way of jitters from Delgado; the back fist, meanwhile, had opened up a cute over Matthews’ eye.
Moments later, a right hand over the top by Jose Delgado knocked Matthews down. The newcomer jumped at the opportunity, and jumped on Matthews, landing enough ground n’ pound to force the ref in to make the save. Matthews was slow to get back to his feet as Delgado told cameras that he was the best in the world, and that “I want this bad.”
A flashy, dazzling display in the debut of Jose Delgado, who put himself on the map with this performance. “I’m young in this game but I’m 16 years in,” Delgado exclaimed following the fight. “I’m here to be the best. Every time I step out there, that’s what you guys are going to see” he added later.
Official Result: Jose Delgado def. Connor Matthews by KO, Round 1, 2:58
