The UFC 294 prelims featured an exciting matchup between another British prospect Nathaniel Wood and Muhammad Naimov.
The UK has high hopes for Wood, who is currently on a three-fight winning streak and comes into this bout with a 20-5 record. His last fight in July was a thrilling back-and-forth against Andre Fili which he won via unanimous decision. The 30-year-old is improving all the time and is not far away from fighting ranked opponents in the featherweight division.
His opponent Naimov has an 9-2 record but has only fought in the UFC once, knocking out Jamie Mullarkey up in the lightweight division. Naimov is a powerful fighter with a variety of finishes on his record.
UFC 294: Muhammad Naimov V Nathanial Wood
Round 1: Naimov quickly established the power he has in his hands. He staggered Wood with a quick right hook. The fight then went to the cage where Naimov was able to take Wood own and establish top control. Wood battled back to his feet, after a brief spell against the cage Wood a nasty low blow. Nathanial opened with quick and nasty leg kicks before a big straight right rocked Naimov before a ground exchange where the round ended.
Round 2: The second round opened with another low blow against Nathanial Wood, the referee opted not to take a point and gave a final warning to Naimov. The fight then went to the fence where Wood executed a nice takedown via a smart transition. After ground grappling exchanges, back on the feet, Naimov was able to take Wood down and establish top control. Wood briefly got back to his feet before the horn blew for the end of the round.
Round 3: Round 3 started tentatively with Wood controlling the Octagon and forcing Naimov against the fence. Naimov established the ground control again after an excellent takedown, Wood was able to get back up quickly but Naimov remained attached to Nathanial. Wood rallied in the last 90 seconds looking for the finish, Naimov survived to the bell and the fight went to a decision.
That win takes Muhammad Naimov to 2-0 in the UFC and is certainly a rising prospect in the featherweight division. He couples this win with the finish of Jamie Mullarkey.
Official result: Muhammad Naimov wins by unanimous decision 29-28
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
