Nicolas Dalby


Nicolas Lyngh Dalby is a Danish mixed martial artist who is currently fighting in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional since 2010, he is both a former Welterweight and interim welterweight champion in Cage Warriors.

Mixed martial arts career

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 five years of training karate, he started training in Rumble Sports, one of the biggest MMA gyms in Copenhagen. He had a total of five 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 many 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 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 faced Alex Oliveira on 28 September 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 18. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby was scheduled to face Danny Roberts on 21 March 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was eventually postponed. The bout with Roberts was rescheduled and was expected to take place on 26 July 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. However, Roberts pulled out of the bout citing injury and he was replaced by Jesse Ronson. Dalby lost the fight via a rear-naked choke in round one. The fight result turned to no contest after Ronson received USADA handed 22 month suspension for testing positive for Metandienone.
Dalby was scheduled to face Orion Cosce on 21 November 2020 at UFC 255. However, Cosce was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Daniel Rodriguez. Dalby won the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby was scheduled to face Sergey Khandozhko on 26 June 2021 at UFC Fight Night 190. However, Khandozhko pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Tim Means. Dalby lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby faced Cláudio Silva on 23 July 2022, at UFC Fight Night 208. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Dalby faced Warlley Alves on 21 January 2023, at UFC 283. He won the fight via split decision.
Dalby faced Muslim Salikhov on 24 June 2023, at UFC on ESPN 47. He won the bout via unanimous decision.
Dalby faced Gabriel Bonfim on 4 November 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round, which earned him a Fight of the Night performance bonus award.
Dalby faced Rinat Fakhretdinov on 22 June 2024, at UFC on ABC 6. He lost the close fight by split decision.
Dalby was scheduled to face Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in a rematch on 9 November 2024, at UFC Fight Night 247. However, Dalby withdrew from the fight due to an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Zach Scroggin.
Dalby faced Randy Brown on 26 April 2025, at UFC on ESPN 66. He lost the fight by knockout in the second round. This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.
Dalby faced promotional newcomer Saygid Izagakhmaev on 22 November 2025, at UFC Fight Night 265. He won the fight by split decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts