Vallejos Eyes Title Shot After Noche UFC Switch

Kevin Vallejos thinks the featherweight title picture just cracked open after Yair Rodriguez pulled out of Noche UFC 4.

Rodriguez was set to face Jean Silva in what looked like an unofficial title eliminator on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, Sherdog reports. Jose Delgado now steps in, a prospect with four UFC wins but nowhere near the former interim champ's résumé. Vallejos, who lost to Silva in a Contender Series war back in 2023, posted on X that the replacement changes everything. "It looks like we get the title shot if we win next," he wrote.

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How Vallejos Built His Case for Gold

The Argentinian earned his UFC contract in 2024 and has rattled off four straight wins, three by finish. His most recent performances saw him collect bonuses for stopping Giga Chikadze and Josh Emmett. Silva, meanwhile, rebounded from his lone UFC loss with a decision over Arnold Allen in January, but beating Delgado carries far less weight than the Rodriguez matchup would have.

Vallejos has repeatedly called for the Silva rematch, his only career defeat. With Silva now facing a lower-stakes bout, the path to a featherweight title shot looks clearer for the next contender who lands a marquee win.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Kevin Vallejos sees UFC title shot opening up with Noche UFC shakeup