Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Welterweight veteran Nicolas Dalby will make his awaited return to the Octagon at UFC on ESPN+ 18 on Sept. 28 live on ESPN+ from inside Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, when he takes on Brazilian finisher “Cowboy” Alex Oliveira, per an official UFC announcement earlier today (Fri., Aug. 9, 2019).
He’s back! @DalbyMMA officially makes his Octagon return in front of his own against Alex Oliveira!
??? https://t.co/075nYjpUUe pic.twitter.com/2cB5OrZ9pj
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 9, 2019
Dalby, 34, last competed in UFC from 2015-2016 in which he produced a dismal 1-2-1 record, with his biggest showing coming in a draw against welterweight contender Darren Till. Since his UFC departure three years ago Dalby has recorded three impressive finishes under the Cage Warriors FC banner. With UFC coming back to his hometown of Copenhagen it made sense to include Dalby on the card. The talented welterweight has never been finished in his professional career so it will be interesting to see how Dalby holds up in his return against “Cowboy.”
Oliveira, 31, is coming off back-to-back losses to Gunnar Nelson and Mike Perry. Prior to that, the Brazilian fighter had captured finishes over Carlos Condit and Carlo Pedersoli Jr. to begin his 2018 campaign. Despite his inability to create a lasting win streak inside of the Octagon, Oliveira remains one of the most excited fighters at 170 pounds. After all, “Cowboy” has earned four post-fight bonuses over his last six UFC appearances. He’ll be a stiff test for Dalby even on enemy soil.
UFC on ESPN+ 18 will be headlined by a middleweight bout featuring surging contender Jack Hermansson and hungry power puncher Jared Cannonier.
For more UFC Copenhagen fight card news click here.