Nicolas Dalby


Nicolas Dalby is a Danish mixed martial artist who is currently fighting in the Welterweight division of Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2008, he is both a former Welterweight and interim welterweight champion in Cage Warriors.

Mixed martial arts

Background and early career

Nicolas Dalby started learning karate as a teen to defend himself against bullies. He moved from Sønderborg to Copenhagen to be around his friends. After 5 years of training karate, he started training in Rumble Sports, one of the biggest MMA gyms in Copenhagen. He had a total of 5 amateur fights, losing the first one by decision and winning the rest of them. Dalby was quickly recognized for his powerful striking and knockout power. He became one of the most feared strikers in Europe after lots of brutal knockouts.

Cage Warriors Fighting Championship

In 2014, Dalby gained two victories in the Cage Warriors, including a TKO stoppage of Sergei Churilov to earn the CWFC Welterweight Championship.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Dalby made his promotional debut against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on 30 May 2015 at UFC Fight Night 67. He won the fight via split decision.
Dalby next faced Darren Till on 24 October 2015 at UFC Fight Night 76. The bout ended in a majority draw. Both fighters were awarded with Fight of the Night honors.
Dalby was expected to face Bartosz Fabinski on 10 April 2016 at UFC Fight Night 86. However, on March 2, Fabiński was removed from the card due to undisclosed reasons and replaced by Zak Cummings. Dalby lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby next faced Peter Sobotta on 3 September 2016 at UFC Fight Night 93. He lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Return to the UFC

Despite struggling with depression and alcoholism stemming from unsuccessful UFC stint, Dalby racked up 3–1 record in Cage Warriors including winning interim Welterweight Championship. Dalby was re-signed to the UFC in mid-2019 and is expected to fight at UFC on ESPN+ 18 on 28 September 2019. Dalby faced Alex Oliveira at the event. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby was scheduled to face Danny Roberts on March 21, 2020 at . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed. The bout with Roberts was rescheduled and was expected to take place on July 26, 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. However, Roberts was injured and he was replaced by Jesse Ronson. Dalby lost the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Amateur mixed martial arts record (Incomplete)