Jose Delgado promises knockout of Jean Silva in storybook fight at Noche UFC

Jose Delgado is deeply honored to be in a position to represent for his family in the main event of Noche UFC.

Delgado (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) filled in for an injured Yair Rodriguez to face Jean Silva on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. It's an opportunity for Delgado that means much more than just being a headliner of a UFC event.

"This is a storybook, man," Delgado said. "My parents came to this country looking to give us an opportunity, looking to give us a better life, you know? They came from real humble beginnings. Like, my mom grew up on dirt floors. My dad has a first-grade education. They came over to this country, and they found success for themselves, and they allowed us to dream. To me, this has been the dream. To be able to fight the best in the world. To be one of the best in the world.

"Not only do I get the opportunity to fight the best-ranked fighter that I've ever fought, biggest fight of my life – I get to do it on the night that celebrates that spirit that led to me being here? Are you freaking kidding me, man? Like, the story doesn't get better, and I'm so proud to represent my parents, represent my roots, represent – there's so much I'm representing in this one, and I'm honored to do it all."

Silva (17-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) is easily the stiffest test of Delgado's career thus far, but he's certainly up for the challenge. In fact, he's excited to share the octagon with someone who brings chaos at every moment.

"He's very skilled, he's very good everywhere, but he kind of comes in and does the same thing over and over to these guys," Delgado said. "It's not the most craziest thing, it's not the most complex thing, but it is dangerous – and I love that energy, and I love how violent and mean of a bastard he is. Like, I love that. I want to play with that energy, and Sept. 12, I get to do just that."

Not too long ago, Silva thought he was on the verge of a title shot. After bouncing back from a loss to Diego Lopes with a win over Arnold Allen, he thought a win over Rodriguez would get him right back on the doorstep of facing the champion Alexander Volkanovski. For Delgado, none of that matters, because it's his role now to take all of those opportunities Silva may have had for himself.

"I want the guy that expects world titles next," Delgado said. "I want the guy who knows he's ready to dethrone the champion. These are the guys I want to take out, man. I want to fight for world titles. I want to take everything he thought he was gonna get from this fight. I get that fight. I get that now. I want to fight Volkanovski next. I want to fight for world titles. I'm gonna make that happen when I knock out Jean Silva in spectacular fashion."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jose Delgado promises knockout of Jean Silva in 'storybook' fight at Noche UFC