UFC is heading to the T-Mobile Center on April 26, featuring an event with surprisingly strong matchups. While the main event between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates in Kansas City draws significant attention, the card includes other notable fights.
Anticipation for the welterweight striker clash has increased due to critical comments from Ian Machado Garry about Carlos Prates.
Also on the main card, Nicolas Dalby will make his 14th Octagon appearance against Randy Brown, continuing his run with the promotion since returning in 2019. Known as `Danish Dynamite`, Dalby first joined the UFC in 2015, where he famously fought Darren Till to a draw.
Brown`s Size Prompts Jon Jones Comparison
Both Nicolas Dalby and Randy Brown are recognized for their dynamic striking skills in the welterweight division, which they will showcase this weekend. With seven knockout wins each, both fighters are looking to rebound from recent split decision losses.
Although Dalby is older and more experienced, the most visually apparent difference between them is size. Brown, standing 6’3” with a 78” reach, is accustomed to having a size advantage, a factor especially noticeable against the 5’11” Dalby.
During a media day, Dalby was questioned about Brown`s challenges and his preparation. Dalby likened Brown`s distinct size and style, referencing `Rudeboy`s` physical advantages, to Jon Jones, often considered the greatest, who rarely faces opponents of equal physical stature.
“He’s very unorthodox in the way that he’s got a frame. His size, his length, he’s kind of like the Jon Jones of welterweight in that regard.”
Dalby humorously added that while using specific training partners to mimic Brown`s size, they couldn`t replicate the eye pokes often associated with Jones`s long-reach tactics.
“We found a bunch of guys in Copenhagen that were able to emulate his style. We couldn’t emulate the eye pokes, that’s the Jon Jones part I’m talking about. Of course, it’s difficult to. Maybe I should have gotten some safety goggles or something.”
Dalby`s Strategy: Potentially Forcing a Brawl
While Nicolas Dalby possesses agility and good footwork as a striker, closing the distance against someone like Randy Brown presents a significant challenge. However, one of Dalby`s strengths is his ability to force a brawl, avoiding being picked apart from range in a technical striking match.
His past fights, including bouts against Darren Till, Gabriel Bonfim, and a tough war with Ross Houston in Cage Warriors, demonstrate Dalby`s resilience and heart in difficult situations.
He may need to make the fight `ugly` if Brown effectively utilizes his sharp boxing and reach advantage, despite Dalby`s thorough preparation for this.
