Jose Delgado embraces Jean Silva's violence ahead of Noche UFC 4

With his fight against Jean Silva at Noche UFC 4 just over a week away, Jose Delgado knows he has a big challenge ahead. Despite all the provocation in recent weeks, the Mexican fighter has acknowledged that he will face a skilled and aggressive opponent on Sept. 12, and says he is ready for the kind of fight Silva brings to the Octagon.

Jose Delgado Welcomes Jean Silva's Violence

Delgado didn't hold back on the trash talk in the buildup to the fight, calling Silva a coward and vowing to "put him down like a dog." Now, the Mexican fighter has slightly changed his approach toward the Brazilian. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Delgado admitted that Silva is an extremely dangerous fighter and explained why he likes the Brazilian's aggressive approach.

"He's very skilled, he's very good everywhere, but he kind of comes in and does the same thing over and over to these guys," Delgado said. "It's not the most craziest thing, it's not the most complex thing, but it is dangerous – and I love that energy, and I love how violent and mean of a bastard he is. Like, I love that. I want to play with that energy, and Sept. 12, I get to do just that."

Jose Delgado Reflects on his Noche UFC Opportunity

Stepping in on short notice to replace an injured Yair Rodriguez, Delgado is about to face the biggest challenge of his career at Noche UFC 4. The opportunity to headline a UFC event for the first time against a top-ranked fighter has also made the Mexican reflect on his journey to this point.

"This is a storybook, man," Delgado said. "My parents came to this country looking to give us an opportunity, looking to give us a better life, you know? They came from real humble beginnings."

A victory over Silva would give Delgado the biggest win of his UFC career and potentially move him up the featherweight rankings. First, however, he will have to back up his confidence against one of the division's most dangerous contenders.