Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Danish welterweight Nicolas Dalby as he takes on Brazilian Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos at Fight Night 67 in Goiania, Brazil Nicolas “Sharpshooter” Dalby Hometown: Copenhagen, Denmark Age: 30 Height: 5’11” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Welterweight Camp: Rumble Sports Career Record: 13-0 Key Wins: Mohsen Bahari Key Losses: None Background The karate influenced fighter is one of the top rising fighters in Scandinavian MMA. He leaves Cage Warriors as its welterweight champion. He enters the UFC undefeated at 13-0. Strengths
- Karate influenced striking game
- Aggressive kicking game; lot of variety in where he aims strikes
- Does well to land strikes with combinations
- Keeps opponents on back heel
- Shown improvements in wrestling ability in recent fights
- Changes levels really well to setup up double leg takedown attempts
- Solid grappling game with decent top control
Weaknesses
- Lacks punching power to compete on the feet against top 15 welterweights
- Needs to improve defense; too hittable on the feet
- Cuts pretty easily when hit
- Can be drawn into a brawl at times
Matchup with Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos This is a pretty straight forward fight. Dalby is a mature fighter entering the UFC with very good technical striking and an improving grappling game. Dos Santos has good power in his hands and has shown some grappling ability, but each time he has taken a step up in competition he’s lost decisively. As long as Dalby can avoid the big strikes of his opponent, this is his fight. Expect Dalby to frustrate Dos Santos as he peppers the Brazilian with kicks from range. He could even work in a takedown if Dos Santos is able to be effective on the feet. In the end, Dalby is the significantly better fighter and should make a strong impression on fans in his UFC debut. It’s difficult to recommend a fighter making his UFC debut at nearly a 4 to 1 favorite, so wait for the points handicap prop line to open as Dalby either wins a late stoppage or a dominant decision. UFC Ceiling Nicolas Dalby is a solid, technical striker. He’s an aggressive, offensive fighter that varies up his striking patterns to confuse opponents. He can aim kicks to any part of the body which opens up opportunities for him. As he enters the UFC, I think he can compete in this division right away and be a fringe top 20 fighter in the division. The skill set is there to compete at that level. His striking defense should be his top priority at this point. At welterweight, there are a lot of heavy hitters who will take advantage of any openings. If he’s going to be a top 15 welterweight, he will need to sure up those defensive holes. His ceiling is a cross between Martin Kampmann and Tarec Saffiedine. At worst, a less skilled Stephen Thompson. Fight Film Check out Nicolas Dalby in some of his recent fights: Nicolas Dalby vs. Mohsen Bahari Nicolas Dalby vs. Sergei Churilov