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Jean Silva took another major step toward the top of the UFC featherweight division after submitting Jose Delgado in the main event of Noche UFC at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
The Brazilian secured the victory with an impressive one-armed rear-naked choke at 2:57 of the third round, improving his professional record to 18-3 and his UFC record to 7-1. Delgado dropped to 12-3 overall and 4-2 inside the promotion.
Silva survives difficult opening round
The victory did not come easily for Silva, who found himself under serious pressure early in the fight.
Delgado came out aggressively and knocked Silva down with a combination of punches in the opening round. Silva weathered the attack, however, and gradually began to take control of the contest.
The momentum shifted significantly in the second round, with Silva finding increasing success and forcing Delgado onto the defensive. By the third, the Brazilian was firmly in command.
After hurting Delgado with a punch, Silva defended his opponent's attempt at a low single-leg takedown and managed to take his back.
One-armed choke seals the victory
Silva used body shots to improve his position before trapping Delgado's left arm with his legs. That left Delgado with limited options as Silva locked his left arm around the neck.
The Brazilian also controlled Delgado's remaining free arm with his right hand, allowing him to tighten the one-armed rear-naked choke and force the submission.
Silva's celebrations then produced one of the more unusual moments of the night. After climbing the cage near UFC executive Hunter Campbell, he began removing the tape from his gloves as officials watched on.
His intention soon became clear. Silva wanted to hand Campbell his gloves as a symbolic promise that he plans to become UFC champion.
UFC title could be Silva's next target
The result gives Silva consecutive victories and strengthens his position among the leading contenders at 145 pounds.
His latest performance could put him in contention to face the winner of Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev, who are scheduled to meet for the UFC featherweight championship in the main event of UFC 333 on October 24.
Delgado, meanwhile, suffered defeat in his first UFC main event after accepting the fight on short notice as a replacement for Yair Rodriguez.
He entered the contest on the back of a unanimous-decision victory over Austin Bashi in July, but was unable to capitalize on his strong start against Silva.
For Silva, the message after Noche UFC was unmistakable: he believes the featherweight championship is his destination, and his performance against Delgado moved him another step closer.
