José Delano headlines the Contender Series and could become the UFC's newest prospect.

The next edition of the Dana White Contender Series could be the stage of consecration for one of the great promises of Brazilian MMA. This Tuesday (19), José Delano faces Argentine Manuel Exposito in the main fight of the event, in a duel valid for the featherweight category (up to 65,7 kg). At 28 years old and a veteran of the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), the Pernambuco native has already faced some of the best in the world and could change his level as an athlete if he can convince Dana White of his potential.

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In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, Delano spoke about his expectations for the fight and gave details about his preparation.

José Delano

José Delano is one of the promising Brazilian MMA fighters. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Born in Recife, Delano began his martial arts journey at the age of 14 while living in Rio de Janeiro, still focused on improving his health and avoiding obesity. After experimenting with a variety of disciplines, he developed an interest in MMA.

"I started training Muay Thai for health reasons and then moved on to jiu-jitsu with Master Maciel Ferreira. My parents separated, and I returned to Recife, where I met Master Antônio Javali, who introduced me to MMA. I began training with the intention of competing without my parents knowing and began competing in various sports in the countryside of Pernambuco. I even had some clandestine MMA fights," recalled the fighter.

After a few fights in Pernambuco, Delano decided to turn professional and ended up becoming an athlete for the legendary Brazilian Top Team in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, he has won 12 of his 13 fights, adding names like Jonas Bilharinho to his record and becoming the Shooto Brazil champion.

LFA

José Delano debuts on the Dana White Contender Series this Tuesday (19). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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After capturing the Shooto Brazil belt, he transitioned to the LFA in 2022. At one of the world's top events and on the UFC's radar, he had the opportunity to compete for the world title twice. Additionally, Delano also faced Gabriel Mosquitinho in January 2023. Despite the defeat, the Pernambuco native left the fight aware of his capabilities.

“The level of people competing at the top of the LFA is similar to the UFC. I fought with Gabriel Mosquitinho, Jonas Bilharinho, and several others who are at the same level as the UFC. Many athletes are experienced and deserve to be in the UFC. I lost to Mosquitinho, but I know he's a tough guy. I really like him. There was no underdog when I faced him," he stated.

Contender Series

José Delano in a contract signed by LFA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

According to the featherweight (up to 65,7 kg), the setback against training partner Charles of the Bronx marked a change in some aspects of his work. Although preparing for Exposito isn't much different from usual, he said he realized the need to rely on specific professionals over the years.

"Since my loss to Gabriel, I've really adjusted my team. I have a psychologist, a nutritionist, and private tutors. Now that I have an opponent, we're able to better adapt our training to him (Exposito), but overall, the preparation is the same," he stated.

Jose Delano Shocks Jonas Bilharinho, Featherweight Title Stays Vacant at # LFA126 https://t.co/biHH1hWkzQ pic.twitter.com/scrMXuiw33

— Sherdog (@sherdogdotcom) March 12, 2022

Like heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) Gabriel Uriel, Delano could become the first Brazilian to win a contract with the Ultimate via the Contender Series in the 2025 season. Aware of the program's dynamics, he assured that he does not feel pressured to be too aggressive to convince Dana White.

"I fight to give my best out there. Victory is a consequence. In none of my fights have I tried to stall the fight, even if I had won the first few rounds. I think a lot about the fans. They need to see me giving everything I can. And that's how it will be in Contender. I'll always go for the fight, and if he does too, it'll be great to watch. It's do or die," he stated.

Weight

José Delano weighing in at the LFA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

Despite his impressive resume, weight problems have marked important moments in the Pernambuco native's career. Despite winning two LFA world title fights, he ultimately failed to wear the belt due to missing weight on both occasions. Delano expressed his frustration and explained that he had personal issues that prevented him from dehydrating properly.

"I couldn't find specialists to help me with my weight cut. I agreed to fight Jonas (Bilharinho) at the last minute and was going through the process on my own, but I couldn't make the weight limit. The second time, I had a lot of trouble getting my US visa and even got sick a few days before traveling. I left Brazil weighing 4 kg, but I suffered from severe water retention and simply couldn't do it anymore. I thought my career was over," said the fighter.

Jose Delano and Manuel Exposito are ready to scrap in tomorrow nights Main Event #DWCS pic.twitter.com/o7fpkSRSkQ

— Patrick Danna (@patdannamma) August 18, 2025

"Ed Soares (LFA president) saw my suffering and said in the press conference that it wasn't a lack of professionalism. Fortunately, he honored me and later put me in other fights. I've already turned that page in my life and since then everything has been fine," added the Pernambuco native, who had no problems making weight this Monday (18).