10 Featherweight Prospects the UFC Should Sign in 2023

Jose “Ze” Delano

26 | 5’8″ | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 12-2 | 7 Finishes | 3 KO/TKOs, 4 Submissions |Combined Opponents’ Record: 57-29-1 | Best Win – Jonas Bilharinho (9-1-1)

For Delano last year wasn’t too smooth even though he went 3-0. Delano made his LFA debut in a title fight versus Contender Series alum Jonas Bilharinho. Delano was an underdog but ended up winning. Unfortunately due to missing weight, he didn’t win the title. He was given another chance at LFA gold against Michael Stack. He won but again missed weight so he didn’t get the title. LFA decided to do a four-man featherweight tournament to crown a champ. Delano is a part of it and won his fight and did make weight that time. Although he started off the year on a down note, he ended it in a big way. Now he will open up 2023 fighting for the LFA featherweight title.

What does it for Delano is that while isn’t great anywhere, he is good everywhere — and very good defensively. Also, his cardio is solid and his pace can be fought at for five rounds. Stack is a tough dude and Delano took it to him. His last fight he won with a head kick knockout. Delano can end the fight at any time and can easily go the distance. If he can win this LFA title and make weight the UFC should come calling.

“I’ve been through a lot this year in 2022 and proved my worth several times inside the octagon and I’m sure I deserve a chance to show my work within the UFC,” he told Cageside Press recently. “I want and will be in the UFC in 2023!”