Yair Rodriguez out of Noche UFC main event, Jose Delgado steps in

Yair Rodriguez is out of the Noche UFC main event. The former interim featherweight champion has withdrawn from his scheduled fight against Jean Silva due to an injury in the groin area, with Jose Delgado stepping in as his replacement on short notice. The change was first reported by Ag Fight and comes less than a month before the Sept. 12 event in Glendale, Arizona.

Jose Delgado Steps in on Short Notice

Delgado made his UFC debut in February 2025 and will now step into the biggest fight of his UFC career against Silva. The 28-year-old American has won his last two fights, defeating Andre Fili and Austin Bashi earlier this year. Delgado has won four of his five UFC appearances since joining the promotion, with his only loss coming against Nathaniel Wood in October 2025.

Jean Silva Remains in Main Event vs. Jose Delgado

Silva, meanwhile, will remain in the Noche UFC main event as he looks to build on his recent victory over Arnold Allen. The Brazilian has bounced back following his TKO loss against Diego Lopes, which remains his only defeat in the UFC. Silva has won six of his seven promotional appearances, earning two Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award.

The change gives Delgado an opportunity to take the biggest step of his UFC career, while Silva will now face a completely different opponent just weeks before one of the biggest fights of his own career.