MMA Preview – Nathaniel Wood vs Daniel Pineda at UFC 304
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NATHANIEL WOOD VS DANIEL PINEDA FACTS
When is UFC 304? Sunday 28th July, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 304? Co-op Live, Manchester (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 304? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 304
What channel is UFC 304 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 304? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NATHANIEL WOOD VS DANIEL PINEDA LOWDOWN
Nathaniel Wood (19-6) looked more polished than ever after stepping up to featherweight in 2022. He reeled off classy unanimous decisions over Charles Rosa (2022), Charles Jourdain (2022) and Andre Fili (2023). However, his momentum was halted by Muhammad Naimov (2023) at UFC 294. Luck was not on his side that night in Abu Dhabi as the referee missed some clear fouls, but now he fights on home soil to put that controversial loss behind him.
He welcomes Daniel Pineda (28-15(3)) for his first fight in Europe. Since returning to the big time after his first 3-4 stint back between 20212-2014 he has gone 2-2(1). He finished Herbert Burns (2020) and Tucker Lutz (2023) but got knocked out by Cub Swanson (2020) and lost a unanimous decision to Alex Cacares (2023). The ‘no contest’ came in 2021 when Fili accidentally poked him the eye rendering him unable to continue.
NATHANIEL WOOD VS DANIEL PINEDA PREDICTION
Wood is the biggest favourite on the card, and we can see why. He arrived to the UFC as a well-rounded prospect and has only improved. He is better than Pineda everywhere with rapid hands, powerful leg kicks and a slick grappling game.
That said, Pineda is always dangerous. He has finished every one of his 28 wins (nine knockouts and 19 submissions). If Wood does not respect his leg kicks and neck attacks in the scrambles, he could end up in trouble.
However, Wood is too smart to fall into a trap and we expect him to weather the early storm and fire off his own leg kicks and find a home for his hands. He also has the ability to seal the odd takedown to secure a decision at least.
Prediction: Wood via Decision
