MMA Preview – Nathaniel Wood vs Muhammad Naimov at UFC 294
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
NATHANIEL WOOD VS MUHAMMAD NAIMOV FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21st October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 294
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? 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 MUHAMMAD NAIMOV LOWDOWN
Nathaniel Wood (20-5) is going in under the radar of the featherweight division. He moved up after losing a unanimous decision to Casey Kenney (2020) and although it was a ‘Fight of the Night’ display, he struggled to get another fight in the division. He then fought Charles Rosa (2022) up at 145 lbs and has not looked back reeling off three classy unanimous decisions in a row including the talented Charles Jourdain (2022) and Andre Fili (2023).
Now, he welcomes Muhammad Naimov (9-2) to the UFC featherweight division who is coming off a dream debut. He stepped up to lightweight on short notice replacing Guram Kutateladze to fight Jamie Mullarkey (2023). He was a hefty underdog and proceeded to knock the Aussie out in the second round extending his streak to four.
NATHANIEL WOOD VS MUHAMMAD NAIMOV PREDICTION
This is a very exciting match-up. Wood always brings the pace putting his full arsenal on display. He is extremely well-rounded as a dynamic striker, slick jiu-jitsu practitioner and constantly evolving wrestler.
Naimov hails from a taekwondo background and is also well-rounded and athletic. He will boast the height, reach and weight advantage here and also possesses knockout power. He is very dangerous at close range, unleashing his hands in the pocket and in the clinch.
Wood is the more technical striker and his grappling is good enough to put Naimov on his back and threaten the submission. The biggest worry here, is Wood’s chin and if Naimov connects clean he will be in trouble.
There is value on the Tajikistani considering the odds, but Wood is the better all-round fighter and we are backing him to earn a decision at least with his wrestling making the difference.
Prediction: Wood via Decision
Value bet: Naimov to win
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
NATHANIEL WOOD VS MUHAMMAD NAIMOV FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21st October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 294
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? 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 MUHAMMAD NAIMOV LOWDOWN
Nathaniel Wood (20-5) is going in under the radar of the featherweight division. He moved up after losing a unanimous decision to Casey Kenney (2020) and although it was a ‘Fight of the Night’ display, he struggled to get another fight in the division. He then fought Charles Rosa (2022) up at 145 lbs and has not looked back reeling off three classy unanimous decisions in a row including the talented Charles Jourdain (2022) and Andre Fili (2023).
Now, he welcomes Muhammad Naimov (9-2) to the UFC featherweight division who is coming off a dream debut. He stepped up to lightweight on short notice replacing Guram Kutateladze to fight Jamie Mullarkey (2023). He was a hefty underdog and proceeded to knock the Aussie out in the second round extending his streak to four.
NATHANIEL WOOD VS MUHAMMAD NAIMOV PREDICTION
This is a very exciting match-up. Wood always brings the pace putting his full arsenal on display. He is extremely well-rounded as a dynamic striker, slick jiu-jitsu practitioner and constantly evolving wrestler.
Naimov hails from a taekwondo background and is also well-rounded and athletic. He will boast the height, reach and weight advantage here and also possesses knockout power. He is very dangerous at close range, unleashing his hands in the pocket and in the clinch.
Wood is the more technical striker and his grappling is good enough to put Naimov on his back and threaten the submission. The biggest worry here, is Wood’s chin and if Naimov connects clean he will be in trouble.
There is value on the Tajikistani considering the odds, but Wood is the better all-round fighter and we are backing him to earn a decision at least with his wrestling making the difference.
Prediction: Wood via Decision
Value bet: Naimov to win
