Delano celebrates his victory in the Contender Series. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Classified by many as one of the most promising athletes in national MMA, José Delano started his career in the sport's biggest organization on the right foot. At UFC Vegas 115, an event held this Saturday (4), the Brazilian did not feel the pressure of his debut and, based on the volume of strikes, punished Robert Ruchala, former KSW champion, and convinced. At the end of the 15 minutes of action, the Pernambuco native defeated the Pole by unanimous decision.
When presenting his credentials in the octagon, 29-year-old Delano showed that he is an interesting addition to the competitive featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg). Discovered through the Contender Series, the athlete stood out in Shooto Brazil and especially in LFA. In MMA, the Brazilian has built a record of 17 wins and three losses.
See too
Unbridled action
The duel between the athletes started with a bang. Delano threw jabs and straight punches. Ruchala wasn't intimidated and responded with kicks. Sharp with his hands and faster, Delano continued to distribute jabs and straight punches. Then, after landing two kicks to the midsection, Delano surprised Ruchala with a takedown. Undeterred, Ruchala landed a spinning elbow and a straight punch on Delano.
Gaining momentum in the fight, Ruchala landed a high kick on Delano. Delano responded with a straight punch. In the clinch, Delano attempted a standing guillotine choke, but was unsuccessful. Then, Ruchala landed a powerful high kick on Delano. In the clinch, Delano launched knees and elbows at Ruchala. Again, Ruchala posed a threat to Delano with his high kicks.
In the second round, Ruchala sought a grappling fight, but Delano defended and went on the offensive, landing a series of straight punches. In the striking exchanges, Delano continued to be more effective with his jabs and straight punches. Undeterred, Ruchala intensified his kicks. Focused, Delano landed a good sequence of punches and kicks on Ruchala and also prevented him from grappling.
Bleeding, Ruchala retreated in the octagon. Sensing Ruchala's predicament, Delano landed straight punches and elbows to his face. In response, Ruchala landed a spinning elbow and kicks on Delano. At the end of the round, Delano stunned Ruchala with a counterpunch. In the clinch, Delano remained active, landing the most significant strikes and taking Ruchala down by grabbing his foot.
In the third and final round, the fighters exchanged blows. Ruchala tried to be more aggressive, but Delano was more effective. Ruchala attempted to corner him, but Delano moved constantly and didn't stop throwing jabs, crosses, and straight punches. In the clinch, Delano landed clean crosses to Ruchala's face, who responded with knees and kicks.
Back in the clinch, Delano landed knees on Ruchala. After much effort, Ruchala managed to clinch with Delano and take him to the cage. However, while defending against Delano's takedown attempt, Ruchala grabbed the cage and lost a point. In the final minute, the fighters went all out, exchanging punches and kicks.
UFC Vegas 115 results
MAIN CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Renato Moicano defeated Chris Duncan by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:14 of round 2.
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Virna Jandiroba defeated Tabatha Ricci by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev defeated Brendson Ribeiro by submission at 2:52 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ethyn Ewing defeated Rafael Estevam by technical knockout (punch to the midsection) at 1:44 of round 3.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Tommy McMillen defeated Manolo Zecchini by technical knockout (knee and punches) at 3:57 of round 1.
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): José Delano defeated Robert Ruchala by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27, 29-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Thomas Petersen defeated Guilherme Pat by majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alessandro Costa defeated Stewart Nicoll by technical knockout (punches) at 4:56 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Darrius Flowers defeated Lando Vannata by technical knockout (strikes) at 52 seconds of round 2.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Alice Pereira defeated Hailey Cowan by knockout (knee strike) at 4:24 of round 2.
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Tresean Gore defeated Azamat Bekoev by submission (guillotine choke) at 3:27 of round 3.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Dione Barbosa defeated Melissa Gatto by majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Kai Kamaka III defeated Dakota Hope by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
You need to log in to comment.