Jose Delgado is ready to test himself against higher-ranked opposition.
Delgado (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) thinks it’s time to get a bigger name following his latest win. The MMA Lab product beat fellow featherweight prospect Austin Bashi (14-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC) with a unanimous decision this past Saturday on the UFC Fight Night 281 preliminary card in Oklahoma City. The win gave Delgado a two-fight winning streak after a decision loss to veteran Nathaniel Wood.
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“I’ve always rated Nathaniel Wood very highly,” Delgado told MMA Junkie. “I think he’s a guy who hasn’t gotten the opportunities to move up the ranking, but I think skill for skill he deserves to be up there. So skill for skill, I’m ready to compete with them all. I like the idea of a Steve Garcia or an Aaron Pico, I like the idea of that type of range of fights, and I think that’s pretty realistic to what I can get, so I’m looking forward to those opportunities in the future. Yeah, somebody in those ranges would be sick.”
Being a Mexican-American and living and fighting out of Arizona, many think a return at this year’s Noche UFC would be perfect for Delgado. Noche UFC takes place Sept. 12 at the Diamond Desert Arena in Glendale, Ariz.
Delgado would love to participate on that card, and wouldn’t say no if a name of interest came up, but he admits the timeline is looking tough.
“If it makes sense, man, it would be tough, if I’m being quite honest,” Delgado said. “This camp took a lot out of me, and I’d have to go into camp next Monday if I were to fight on that Noche card. It’d be tough, but man, I’d love to fight in front of my people. I’d love to be able to have as many of my family and friends and everybody that supports me in an Arena, that would be a dream come true. I’m a little disappointed that Noche is only seven weeks away. I would’ve wished it was 10 weeks ahead. If they come to me with an opportunity that makes too much sense to pass up, then yeah, we’ll run it. If not, I would like to take my time and get a little bit of a reset.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jose Delgado wants step-up fight, eyes Steve Gracia or Aaron Pico
