There is no way to sugarcoat this, March was a dark moment in Nathaniel Wood’s (18-5) career.
After being sidelined with injury,after a tough loss to Casey Kenney, UFC London was supposed to be the ultimate homecoming. Fighting in front of your fans, from your city on the biggest stage in the sport you love, it does not get better and when it fell through not once but twice, you were left thinking how he would pick himself up?
Fast-forward to July 23rd, the second coming of UFC London and with it, a re-energized Prospect who had set his sights on redemption with his debut in the featherweight division.
All of us at GBTT, from watching him train, we see what he is truly capable of, so we were excited and confident, but at the same time, we were extremely nervous!
The truth of the matter was Nathaniel put on the performance of his career, absolutely battering an incredibly game and durable Charles Rosa from O2 Pillar to O2 post. It was in my book, the performance of the night and more than worthy of a UFC bonus (we are not angry Dana…. just disappointed and ever so slightly bias!)
No sooner had the celebrating began, the UFC batphone started ringing with an offer of a quick turnaround fight against Charles Jourdain (13-5-1) at the first ever event in France.
UFC Paris is set to be a monumentally important night for European Mixed Martial Arts. To be featured on the main card alongside Robert Whittaker Vs Marvin Vettori and Ciryl Gane Vs Tai Tuivasa is what happens when you believe in yourself and never give up.
Charles Jourdain is a very tough opponent. A clinical striker who loves a guillotine from time to time. He has notable wins over Lando Vannata and Doo Ho Choi. This is a definite step up in competition for the Londoner.
Jourdain is coming off a tough majority decision loss to Shane Burgos back in July, so will be eager to get back into winning ways,
Wood has all the tools to get the job done, he has the speed and the grappling to deal with whatever Jourdain throws at him and we can not wait to see what’s next for The Prospect.
I certainly would not want to be Charles Jourdain on September 3rd.
Head on over to BT SPORT here for all your options of catching the fight live on September 3rd