(Video) Massive underdog Nicolas Dalby lands knees to floor undefeated Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Sao Paulo

Adam Miller

The UFC Sao Paulo co-main event was excellent. However, it did not go as the audience had anticipated.

Nicolas Dalby was considered a +460 underdog in the match, but he delivered a performance that defied expectations. He emerged victorious against the previously undefeated Gabriel Bonfim, who was touted as the strongest favorite of the card at -620.

As the match kicked off, it started as expected. Bonfim is known for finishing his opponents in the UFC in under 80 seconds, and he launched an aggressive assault.

However, Dalby stood his ground. Despite Dalby’s resistance, Bonfim managed a crucial body lock takedown and put Dalby on his back.

From there, Bonfim relentlessly applied ground and pound and sought submission opportunities. The bell rang at the conclusion of the first round, and it marked the first time Gabriel Bonfim had completed a full round in the UFC.

The second round saw Bonfim continuing his pursuit of a swift finish, making the initial move towards a takedown. But Dalby displayed remarkable resilience, quickly returning to his feet and intensifying the pressure.

For the first time in the match, Bonfim found himself on the defensive. Both competitors exchanged strikes, including punches, knees, and elbows along the fence.

Despite the intense exchange, the 38-year-old Dalby demonstrated superior endurance compared to Bonfim. In the end, Bonfim succumbed. He covered up on the ground, leading the referee to stop the bout.

With this win, Nicholas Dalby extended his win streak to an impressive four bouts in the UFC. This victory also marked Dalby’s first finish within the UFC. On the flip side, Gabriel Bonfim experienced defeat for the first time.

The clash between Nicholas Dalby and Gabriel Bonfim undoubtedly stands as a strong contender for the Fight of the Night Bonus. The intensity of the match had the audience on their feet from start to finish. At certain moments, it even seemed like Bonfim might secure a first-round submission victory. But Dalby had different plans, ultimately turning the tables.

It’s worth noting that Dalby now boasts an impressive 5-0 record against Brazilian opponents in the UFC. His previous victories include wins over Warlley Alves, Claudio Silva, Alex Oliveira, and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos. It’s a remarkable feat considering that the UFC had initially released Dalby after a less-than-stellar 1-3-1 record in his first five bouts with the promotion.

Now, with a four-bout win streak in the welterweight division and at the age of 38, Nicholas Dalby’s resurgence is nothing short of extraordinary.

Prior to his victory in Sao Paulo, one of his most notable matches was a draw against Darren Till at UFC Fight Night: Holohan vs. Smolka in 2015. This recent victory solidifies Dalby’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s welterweight division.