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Welterweights

Nicolas Dalby (18-3-1, 1 N/C) vs. Jesse Ronson (21-10)
Odds: Dalby (-255), Ronson (+215)

It went a bit under the radar, but Dalby's return to the Octagon was one of the UFC's best moments in 2019. After a first stint in the UFC went sideways, Dalby dealt with alcoholism and depression before eventually rebuilding himself as one of the top welterweights in Europe. And once he got the call, the Dane cashed in on the opportunity, earning an impressive upset win over Alex Oliveira to the adoration of fans in his adopted hometown of Copenhagen. This time around, the roles are reversed a bit, as Canada's Jesse Ronson is making his own return to the UFC in the hopes of faring better this time around. Ronson's UFC career lasted all of 10 months, though to his credit, split decision losses against Michel Prazeres, Francisco Trinaldo and Kevin Lee all look better a few years later.

Since then, he's put together a solid career both at home and abroad, but frankly, he does look like the type of "quadruple-A" fighter who can have a ton of success on the regional scene, but has not one standout skill against better opposition. There's enough random chaff at the bottom of the UFC roster that Ronson can probably find a win if he gets the right matchup, but this doesn't look like that fight. Dalby's a relentless and extremely durable pressure fighter, and Ronson doesn't look capable of either overpowering him in the grappling department or scoring a knockout on the feet. Good on Ronson for making it back, and he should show enough to make this a fun scrap, but the pick is still Dalby by clear decision.

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