Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) featherweight contender Jean Silva presented a rising outlook Jose Delgado at the main event of the year UFC 4 night yesterday (Saturday, September 12, 2026) at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Silva’s performance was not flawless. Delgado dropped him with a massive right hand in the opening round and seemed to be cruising toward a major upset. But Silva turned up the pressure over the next two rounds, eventually wearing Delgado down and forcing him to tap out with a slick one-handed rear naked choke at 2:57 of the third round (watch the highlights).
Shortly after picking up his second straight win, Silva climbed out of the Octagon and went straight to the UFC’s business manager. Hunter Campbell to make his case for the next featherweight title fight.
Silva doubled in time Noche UFC 4 post-fight press conference.
“Who else?” Silva said. “I’m next and I’ll be the champion.”
Former UFC bantamweight champion turned featherweight contender Aljamain Sterling was quick to take to social media.
“I’m next in line,” Sterling wrote. “Or we can fight for it. December. Run.”
This is definitely one way to defend your position in the title order.
Sterling has a strong case based strictly on his Featherweight resume. “Funkmaster” is 3:1 as he weighs up to 145 pounds, earning decision victories over Calvin Cats, Brian Ortega and Youssef Zalal. His only loss came to an undefeated No. 1 seed Movsar Evloev in an extremely competitive fight.
Silva, meanwhile, has won seven of his eight UFC bouts and is coming off some impressive victories Bryce Mitchell, Arnold Allen and now Delgado. His lone Octagon loss backfired Diego Lopes in one of the fiercest fights of 2025.
Sterling probably owns the better overall resume and carries the credibility of a former champion. However, Silva is arguably the more popular and exciting fighter. He creates memorable moments, chases finishes and attracts attention every time he competes.
In the eyes of the UFC, this could be a golden ticket.
Current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovsky is already scheduled to defend his title against Evloev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24, meaning the division’s next title contender likely won’t compete for gold until 2027.
This gives the UFC several options.
It could reward Sterling for his impressive resume, capitalize on Silva’s momentum and popularity, or accept the “Funk Master’s” offer and book the two contenders in a title shot this December.
If the UFC wants favors, Sterling probably deserves a shot. If he wants fireworks, Silva is an easy choice.
If it wants to eliminate all arguments, make them fight.
That’s a good problem for the UFC to have.
Click through for more Noche UFC 4 results, coverage and highlights HERE.
