Nicolas Dalby believes that experience is the most valuable teacher in life. He often shares that reflecting on his past experiences through public talks not only helps him gain new insights but also deepens his understanding of himself—why he behaves the way he does and what drives him. But here’s where it gets controversial: some might argue that constantly revisiting the past can hinder progress, yet Dalby sees it as a powerful tool for growth.
He explains, “Sharing my stories during lectures pushes me to think critically about my journey, and in doing so, I discover more about who I am. It’s like a healing process that also keeps me learning. I find it fascinating how much you can learn about yourself when you open up about your experiences, and at the same time, you get to connect with others in a meaningful way.”
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For the 41-year-old fighter, each upcoming Saturday night represents another opportunity to demonstrate his skills inside the octagon. He approaches this chance with as much enthusiasm now as he did over ten years ago, when he first entered the UFC in Goiania, Brazil.
“This sport has been intertwined with my life for two decades, and I’ve been practicing martial arts for 25 years this year. Combat sports, especially MMA, are central to my identity,” Dalby shares. “While fighting isn’t the only thing I do, it occupies a significant part of my life. More than half my life has been dedicated to martial arts, and that makes it very meaningful to me.”
He adds, “When I first started, my main goal was simply to win fights. I began martial arts primarily to learn self-defense, but I quickly became drawn to the competitive aspect—testing my limits and pushing myself further. That challenge has remained the core motivation driving me ever since.”