I get people picking Dalby here. He is an absolute dog and even though he s 40, he hasn't looked it. But the reality is that he is 40. He is also chinny. He has been officially knocked down 6 times in the UFC with many others, like in the Rinat fight, that weren't counted. In theory, Dalby should be able to weather a storm and take over with his crazy breathing noises. But Zaleski is dangerous on the feet and can work a wrestling gameplan. I am going to pick Zaleski here but he is also no spring chicken so likely keeping my money unless +3.5 looks great.
Nicolas Dalby
Nicolas Dalby is a Karate style striker who stays mobile and switches stances. . He has insane breathing techniques but they clearly work because Dalby has ridiculous cardio. He has a good amount power as well but he can be hitable himself. He averages more than 1 takedown per fight but he does have a very low 27% takedown accuracy. His striking is ok, his grappling is ok and all in all he is a well rounded guy who will work hard but is not dangerous. He is an absolute dog, but does get dropped with power. He is coming off the close decision loss to Rinat where he gave up 5 takedowns.
Elizeu Zaleski
Elizeu Zaleski is a solid striker with real power and athleticism who can also be dangerous on the ground. He has a very busy and active striking style where he is contantly moving. He has real power, real athletecism and real cardio which make him a very dangerous man. He is coming off the loss to Randy Brown where he had all the takedowns but couldn't hang in the striking.