Las Vegas, NV — As of UFC Vegas 75 on Saturday, Nicolas Dalby surpassed countryman Martin Kampmann for most fights, and wins, in Danish MMA history.
Kampmann retired off a 2013 loss to Carlos Condit in the UFC, with 21 wins in 28 career fights. Dalby has 29 bouts (two of which went down as No Contests) in his pro career, with 22 wins.
“It’s very special for me. For the rest of the world, it’s just a fun stat. But when I started doing MMA in 2006, Martin Kampmann was, I think he just got into UFC maybe, or something like that, along those lines,” Dalby (22-4-1, 2NC) told media outlets including Cageside Press following his win against Muslim Salikhov. “So I’ve always looked up to him. He’s been such a benchmark, such a beacon in Danish MMA.”
Against Salikhov this past Saturday, Dalby had to contend with a dangerous, creative striker, and stuck to the game plan throughout, going on to win via decision.
“The game plan was to get the striking going, and not get hit by anything stupid. He’s such a skilled striker, and he’s very explosive, very fast, especially in the first couple minutes of every round,” observed Dalby. “So we didn’t want to walk into anything stupid. Kind of play it safe from the outside, poke him a little bit, and as the round progressed, maybe seek out the clinch, or put the pressure on him, changing angles and going into some exchanges.”
Following the win, Dalby expressed a desire to fight in November. Something which feels a little karmic, perhaps.
“Well it’s my birthday in November, and my next fight is going to be my 30th pro fight. And this year is the 30th anniversary of the UFC,” Dalby noted. “It would be fitting to get that 30th fight on the 30th anniversary in my birthday month.”
As for an opponent, “honestly, I know I should have a name, but I can’t remember who’s booked and who’s not,” said Dalby. “Just give me someone. I’m not picky.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 75 post-fight press conference appearance by Nicolas Dalby above.
