Jose Delgado smashes Connor Matthews for knockout

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 💥 #UFCVegas102 pic.twitter.com/DMFIFUckiR

— 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.