9/12/26
Stars continue to rise at the third annual UFC Noche to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The main event featured an unranked prospect, Jose Delgado, taking on fan favorite Jean Silva on short notice for an entertaining and even strange at times bout. The rest of the card had many ranked fighters going at it and showcasing some of the highest levels of MMA. Many new contenders entered their names into future title opportunities for their respective weight classes. Here is a recap of UFC Noche: Silva vs Delgado
David Martinez vs Dan Ige: Bantamweight
David Martinez outpointed Dan Ige by unanimous decision in Ige’s bantamweight debut at Noche UFC. Martinez used his speed, distance management, and persistent attacks to Ige’s lead leg to control most of the 15-minute fight; Ige had moments with his pressure and tried to rally late, but Martinez even scored a brief knockdown and generally dictated the exchanges. It was a tactical, disciplined performance from Martinez, who extended his winning streak to 11 fights, while Ige dropped his fifth fight in his last six.
Waldo Cortes Acosta vs Curtis Blaydes: Heavyweight
Curtis Blaydes outpointed Waldo Cortes-Acosta to win via a unanimous decision in a low-action heavyweight bout. Neither fighter managed to mount a high-volume offensive or reach triple digits in total strikes thrown, resulting in a pedestrian, tactical match where Blaydes narrowly edged out the three close rounds on the scorecards to successfully bounce back into the win column. Cortes Acosta did enough to get the win though and now re-enters his name into championship contention within his next few fights.
Manon Fiorot vs Alex Grasso: Women’s Flyweight
Alexa Grasso scored a unanimous decision win over Manon Fiorot in a masterclass performance. Grasso delivered a fast, aggressive performance that put Fiorot on the back foot from the opening bell. Grasso’s sharp boxing and combinations were the story early, as she dropped Fiorot in the first round and continued to pressure her with clean punches throughout the three-round fight; Fiorot adjusted as the bout progressed and had some success of her own, but Grasso consistently won the exchanges and prevented Fiorot from establishing her preferred rhythm. The victory gives Grasso her second straight win and strengthens her position in the women’s flyweight title picture.
Tommy McMillen vs Marwan Rahiki: Featherweight
Tommy McMillen remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Marwan Rahiki in a wild featherweight clash. McMillen started aggressively, mixing his striking with wrestling, but Rahiki nearly turned the fight around in the second round when a huge uppercut and follow-up knees badly hurt him and put him in survival mode. McMillen showed tremendous composure, recovered, and came out firing in the third, scoring a knockdown and repeatedly pressuring Rahiki with takedowns, ground-and-pound, and submission attempts. Rahiki survived the late onslaught, but McMillen’s resilience and stronger finish earned him the decision and improved his professional record to 12-0.
Brandon Moreno vs Joseph Morales: Flyweight
Brandon Moreno edged Joseph Morales by split decision in the co-main event. Snapping a two-fight losing streak with a gritty, well-rounded performance. Moreno’s boxing was the difference for much of the fight, as he landed crisp combinations and controlled the exchanges, while Morales had his best moments with powerful left hands and grappling pressure that briefly staggered Moreno. Moreno made key adjustments late, reversing a takedown and putting Morales on the mat in the third round before controlling the final stretch from top position. It was a competitive fight, but Moreno’s sharper striking and stronger finish earned him the narrow victory and kept the former two-time flyweight champion’s title hopes alive.
Jean Silva vs Jose Miguel Delgado: Featherweight
Jean Silva overcame a scary first round to submit Jose Miguel Delgado by rear-naked choke in the third round of the main event. Delgado came out aggressively and stunned Silva with a knockdown in the opening round, but Silva settled down, increased his pressure in the second, and began taking control with stronger striking and grappling. In the third, Silva hurt Delgado with a hard right hand against the fence before seamlessly transitioning to a one-armed rear-naked choke, forcing the tap and completing an impressive comeback victory. The win puts Silva back in the featherweight title conversation after a rough start to the fight.