T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada
A gritty welterweight showdown lands on the UFC 117 prelims as veteran technician Nicolas Dalby meets explosive powerhouse Jeremiah Wells. This is a classic clash of durability and experience vs. athleticism and finishing danger. Dalby brings a decade of high‑level cage time and a reputation for being nearly impossible to put away, while Wells brings raw strength, explosive entries, and fight‑ending power.
This matchup has real implications for the middle tier of the welterweight division.
VENUE & EVENT DETAILS
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Prelims Start: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Dalby vs. Wells: Expected around 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT
Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon
Altitude: Sea level
INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES
Nicolas Dalby
- No reported injuries
- Camp at Rumble Sports (Denmark)
- Focus on movement, defensive grappling, and high‑volume striking
- Coaches emphasize avoiding early firefights
Jeremiah Wells
- Recovered from minor back tightness early in camp
- Camp at Renzo Gracie Philly
- Emphasis on explosive entries, cage pressure, and top‑control endurance
- Added more striking defense to avoid counter shots
Both fighters enter healthy and with full camps behind them.
RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM
Nicolas Dalby — Last 5 Fights
- Record: 3–2
- Wins: 2 decisions, 1 TKO
- Losses: 2 decisions
- Trend: Durable, consistent, strong late‑fight performer
Jeremiah Wells — Last 5 Fights
- Record: 3–2
- Wins: 2 submissions, 1 KO
- Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
- Trend: Fast starter, explosive, dangerous in scrambles
FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN
Striking
- Dalby: High volume, good kicks, strong cardio pace
- Wells: Explosive power, blitz entries, heavy hooks Edge: Dalby (volume), Wells (power)
Grappling
- Dalby: Solid defensive grappling, good scrambles
- Wells: Strong wrestling, heavy top control, dangerous submissions Edge: Wells
Cardio
- Dalby: Excellent 3‑round engine
- Wells: Strong early, fades if forced to wrestle too much Edge: Dalby
Fight IQ
- Dalby: Veteran savvy, good at stealing rounds
- Wells: High‑risk, high‑reward style Edge: Dalby
FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT
This is the first meeting between the two fighters.
Nicolas Dalby’s UFC Trajectory
- Longtime veteran with wins over tough competition
- Known for durability and late‑fight surges
- A win keeps him in the welterweight middle tier
Jeremiah Wells’ UFC Trajectory
- Explosive finisher with strong grappling
- Inconsistent but dangerous
- A win puts him back on track toward ranked opponents
BETTING TRENDS
Nicolas Dalby Trends
- 7 of last 9 fights have gone to decision
- 4–1 when landing 60+ significant strikes
- 0–3 when taken down 3+ times
Jeremiah Wells Trends
- 6 of last 8 fights ended inside the distance
- 3–0 when securing 2+ takedowns
- 0–2 when fights go to Round 3
Matchup Trends
- Dalby thrives in long fights
- Wells thrives in chaos and early pressure
- Whoever dictates pace likely wins
FIGHT ODDS
Nicolas Dalby – 115
Jeremiah Wells – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026
