Nicolas Dalby Faces Indefinite Suspension After UFC Kansas City Loss
UFC Kansas City delivered an unforgettable night filled with jaw-dropping knockouts. Fans were treated to an action-packed card that showcased the very best and most dangerous aspects of MMA. However, as thrilling as the event was, it also served as a reminder of the inherent risks fighters face every time they step into the Octagon. In the aftermath of such violent battles, fighter safety has once again become a central talking point.
Today we learned that Danish welterweight Nicolas Dalby has been suspended for 90 days and also faces an indefinite suspension pending neurological clearance. The information was shared by MMA Junkie, sourced from the Missouri Office of Athletics, which released a list of medical suspensions following UFC Kansas City. Dalby endured a brutal back-and-forth war against Randy Brown, absorbing an accumulation of strikes along with a crushing right hand that ultimately led to his suspension.
Nicolas Dalby Getty Images
The UFC, under Dana White's leadership, has consistently maintained that fighter health is a top priority. Policies require medical clearance for any fighter suffering a severe knockout before they can return to competition. Dalby's situation exemplifies how seriously these protocols are enforced to ensure long-term fighter well-being.
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Prior to this setback, Dalby was enjoying strong momentum, riding a four-fight win streak. Unfortunately, he has now suffered back-to-back losses against Renat Fakhretdinov and Randy Brown. As for his return, it remains uncertain. Dalby must first obtain full neurological clearance before any timeline can be set. Fighter safety, above all else, will dictate when he can once again compete in the Octagon.
Related: UFC Veteran Retires Following Tough Final Stretch
Related: Francis Ngannou's Name Surfaces After Fatal Accident Report
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Aljamain Sterling would love to show Sean O'Malley a healthy version of himself in rematch Let the former champ rest. But I would absolutely LOVE to show him what a healthy version of myself would do. He's got great skills but I still know that was 50% version of myself. — Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 8, 2025 Aljamain Sterling is open to running things back with Sean O'Malley – at featherweight. O'Malley (18-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) lost to bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) for a second time when he was submitted in Saturday's UFC 316 headliner at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Sterling (24-5 MMA, 16-5 UFC), who lost his bantamweight title to O'Malley by knockout at UFC 292, is adamant that had he been 100 percent healthy, the fight would have gone a different way. Sterling faced O'Malley just three months after retaining his belt against Henry Cejudo in a five-round battle at UFC 288. "Let the former champ rest. But I would absolutely LOVE to show him what a healthy version of myself would do. He's got great skills but I still know that was 50% version of myself." Sterling just wants his fair shake. O'Malley entered his first fight against Dvalishvili at UFC 306 with a torn labrum in his hip, which required surgery. He was awarded an immediate rematch at UFC 316, but fell short once again. Sterling, who has since moved up to featherweight, thinks he was unjustly criticized when he spoke out about his injuries. "Weird, right? Somehow Sean gets a rematch after saying he wasn't 100%. Him and the company knew I wasn't 100% and I STILL gave him the opportunity to become champ. But it's 'coping' when I say it. Ppl are weird and bias. But if he doesn't plan to come up, then he can retire with the win, and I'm fine with that." Weird, right? Somehow Sean gets a rematch after saying he wasn't 100%. Him and the company knew I wasn't 100% and I STILL gave him the opportunity to become champ. But it's 'coping' when I say it. Ppl are weird and bias. But if he doesn't plan to come up, then he can retire with… — Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 8, 2025 Prior to UFC 316, O'Malley's head coach Tim Welch said that a potential move up to featherweight is "definitely possible" down the line. However, it is unknown what O'Malley's next move will be after losing to Dvalishvili in a title fight for the second-straight time.
