Summary
After Lerryan Douglas's great debut last weekend, Brazil will have another promising featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) fighter making his debut in the world's largest MMA organization this Saturday (4). This is José Delano. The Pernambuco native, who has four consecutive wins and secured a contract with the Ultimate in August 2025, faces Polish fighter Robert Ruchala in the first fight of the main card of ufc vegas 115.
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In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, he spoke about his expectations of stepping into the most famous octagon on the planet for the first time.
Anticipation for the premiere
Delano celebrates his victory in the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
In the final stages of preparation to face his first challenge in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), it's undeniable that the Brazilian is living a dream. Filled with joy and a touch of anxiety, he relied on his Christian faith to mentally prepare for the fight.
“I’m very happy. Anxious, in a good way. It’s a place I’ve dreamed of being since I started practicing martial arts, so realizing this dream has been very rewarding. Thank God, I know Jesus and I pray for everything I can’t solve. It’s a peace that isn’t the absence of chaos, but rather peace amidst chaos. Since I gave my life to Jesus, I haven’t been anxious. I want victory, and if it’s His will, I will win. That’s why I don’t get anxious in a bad way. I just want to get there soon, make weight, and be able to fight,” he stated.
Long wait
José Delano celebrates his victory at LFA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Although he has not yet officially fought under the UFC brand, the last few months have been filled with great anticipation for Delano. triumph The fight against Miguel Exposito in the Contender Series took place in August of last year, and since then, it has been months of waiting to finally experience preparing and fighting in the organization. He acknowledged that the period was difficult, but at the same time very rewarding.
“My timing was in God’s hands. I was anxious for a while. I wanted to fight in Rio (de Janeiro), but I didn’t. I saw some people already with fights scheduled, and that made me a little apprehensive. I prayed a lot, and the fight came at the right time. A fight in Las Vegas, in the same place where the Contender Series took place, the logistics are the same. My opponent is tough, a striker. It will be a good fight for whoever is watching. Everything fell into place. It will be during Holy Week, so I believe He wants me to be there,” he said.
José Delano delivered, huh? I wonder if the Brazilian will get a contract? 🔥🔥 #DWCS
[Watch live on @UFCFightPassBR | Subscribe now:] https://t.co/OD62F561g5 ] pic.twitter.com/bFQNtq9Zxr
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) August 20, 2025
Delano's versatility is an advantage against his opponent.
José Delano weighing in at the LFA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
Like Delano, Ruchala is also a newcomer to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In just one appearance, he was defeated by... William Gomis Last September, the Polish fighter built most of his career in KSW, an event where he became champion. Despite facing an experienced opponent, the fighter from Pernambuco believes he has more tools to win the match.
“I’m more technical and strategic than him. He’s very good, physically strong, and has fought five rounds a few times, just like me. He’s an unpredictable striker, throwing spinning punches and often losing distance. And that’s very dangerous to do to me, because I control the distance well and hit gently. If he moves forward, he’ll give up a lot of his body and face. To beat me, he’ll need to control the distance, but knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it is very different,” he stated.
Bonus?
BTT protégé José Delano was signed by the UFC (Photo: Press Release)
The waiting period between signing and the actual fight ended up creating a curious situation for the Brazilian. During the months of negotiation, the UFC closed a billion-dollar deal with Paramount+ for the broadcast rights of the events. Furthermore, the value of performance bonuses was doubled. In addition, all fights finished by stoppage guarantee US$25 for the winner. In this scenario, a victory could not only change the level of his career, but also his bank account.
“It’s an incentive to seek the fight, and my style already suggests that. It’s a fight that tends to go to a stoppage. And that puts me at ease, because even if the main fight gets more attention and wins the bonus, I can still get a little something, which will be great,” he said, laughing.
Show Business
José Delano is one of the promising Brazilian MMA fighters. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.
The Pernambuco native will take his first step in one of the most complicated categories today. Besides Lerryan Douglas himself, other names such as... Youssef Zalal e Kevin Vallejos They have been attracting the attention of fans and the media with great performances. In this context, in addition to the challenges inside the octagon, standing out outside the octagon will also be a mission in order to remain a relevant figure. On this subject, Delano assures that he will not stray from his personality to please the crowds.
“To be very honest, many say that it’s necessary to promote your image and provoke other fighters. My strategy is simply to go in and fight. I don’t want to promote myself beyond what the Lord has given me. He gave me the gift of fighting, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not going to speak ill of anyone or promote my body. If it means I’m selling my soul, forget it. But if the Lord wants me to have greater publicity than those who do that, it will happen,” he concluded.
Read More about: exclusive interview, José Delano, feather weight, Robert Ruchała, ufc vegas 115
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