UFC Fight Night 276 has suffered a setback ahead of fight week after welterweight veteran Nicolas Dalby was ruled out of his scheduled contest against Jeremiah Wells because of an undisclosed injury.
The matchup was expected to take place at the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas as part of the UFC Vegas 117 card, but the promotion is now searching for a replacement opponent to keep Wells active on the event. Reports regarding Dalby’s withdrawal were confirmed by individuals familiar with the situation, although no official details about the injury have been released.
Dalby entered the contest hoping to build momentum after earning a hard fought victory over Saygid Izagakhmaev in his most recent appearance. The Danish fighter currently holds a professional record of 24 wins, six losses, and one draw, along with an 8 and 5 record inside the UFC. Known for his toughness and relentless pace, Dalby has remained one of the division’s most durable competitors over the years.
For Wells, the sudden opponent change creates uncertainty just days before the event. The American welterweight owns a professional MMA record of 13 wins, four defeats, and one draw, while going 5 and 2 under the UFC banner. He last competed in November, where he secured an important win over Themba Gorimbo to regain momentum in the division.
Despite the late disruption, Wells is reportedly expected to remain on the card provided the UFC can finalize a suitable replacement in time. Finding an opponent on short notice is never easy, especially in the welterweight division where preparation and conditioning often play a major role. Still, the promotion has frequently managed to rescue fights under similar circumstances.
The timing is especially important for Wells, who could be targeting another quick appearance later this year when UFC 330 heads to Philadelphia, his hometown. A strong showing in Las Vegas would likely strengthen his chances of competing on that card in front of local fans.
As UFC Vegas 117 approaches, attention now shifts to whether matchmakers can secure a late replacement and keep the bout alive. Fans will be waiting closely for an official announcement in the coming days.
