Before the recent fight at UFC Vegas 114, expectations for Jose Delgado were mixed. Having faced a setback with a loss to Nathaniel Wood, Delgado was under pressure to prove himself against Andre Fili, who had a record of 25-13 and had been alternating wins and losses since 2022.
The decisive moment came on March 14, 2026, when Delgado faced Fili in Las Vegas. The fight was closely contested, with the judges scoring it 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in favor of Delgado. This victory improved Delgado’s record to 11-2 in MMA and 3-1 in the UFC, a significant achievement for the fighter.
During the fight, Delgado experienced a rocky start, being knocked down early in the first round. However, he rebounded impressively, winning the second and third rounds on two judges’ scorecards. His performance included a flying knee and a variety of kicks that showcased his striking capabilities.
Delgado expressed his relief and happiness after the fight, stating, “I hate leaving it to the judges. You’ve got no idea how much I hate that.” This sentiment reflects the pressure fighters feel when outcomes are left in the hands of judges, especially in a closely contested match.
In contrast, Andre Fili’s journey has been marked by inconsistency, with his record standing at 13-12 in the UFC before this fight. The loss to Delgado adds to his challenges as he seeks to stabilize his performance in the octagon.
Experts noted that the fight was difficult to score, emphasizing the competitive nature of the bout. Delgado’s ability to overcome his initial setback and secure a victory is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Looking ahead, Delgado aims to continue his momentum, expressing a desire to fight again before the end of summer 2026. His mission remains clear: “To be the best in the world, to take on the best in the world, and to dominate those guys.” This ambition sets the stage for his future endeavors in the sport.
As Delgado celebrates this victory, the MMA community will be watching closely to see how he builds on this success and whether he can maintain his upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of the UFC.