We were all looking forward to seeing Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood (19-5) take on Aljamain Sterling at Polaris later this month. However a phone call from the UFC later and it seems Wood will now be competing in Abu Dhabi at UFC 294 against Tajikistan’s own Muhammad Naimov (9-2) who now calls Denver, Colorado his home.
The Prospect is undefeated since transitioning to the 145lb Featherweight division, with wins against the two Charles’s in Rosa and Jourdain and and impressive unanimous decisions victory over Andre Fili at UFC London in July.
Wood was already deep into training to face ‘The Funk Master’ at Polaris 25 next weekend, however when the UFC Bat phone starts ringing with an offer to fight on PPV in Abu Dhabi, you don’t turn it down!
Next, the Brit will face a fighter at a different point in their UFC career, recent newcomer Muhammad Naimov (9-2). After wins under the Titan FC and Tuff-N-Uff banners following a failed Dana White’s Contender Series outing, “Hillman” debuted in the Octagon with a decision victory over established Australian striker Jamie Mullarkey at UFC Vegas 74
Naimov is a tough opponent and a great opportunity for Nathaniel who is looking to make it 4 straight wins and propel himself ever closer into top 10 contention.
UFC 294 is a marquee PPV with the card being headlined by Lightweight King Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira 2, Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev and Britains own Muhammed Mokaev takes on Veteran Tim Elliot.
UFC 294 will be live over on Discovery + here in the UK and we will keep you up to date on any further developments.