Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Nathaniel Wood makes a quick return to the Octagon following victory over Andre Filli in July and a marriage in August. The Englishman takes on Muhammad Naimov in the prelims of UFC 294 and couldn’t hide his disappointment at not getting a ranked fighter following a string of victories. Tajik-born Naimov upset the odds when he stopped Jamie Mullarkey last June in a sensational UFC debut. The bout promises to be explosive with both fighters on a winning streak.

MMA: UFC Featherweight

Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

Where to watch: ESPN+

Date: 21.10.2023. 18.05

The 31-year-ol is fresh from penning a new four-fight contract with the UFC after securing three consecutive wins since debuting in 2018. The former Cage Warriors Bantamweight champion is finding life in the Featherweight division good with the Londoner, who has a promotional record of 7-2 and is already talking about his plan to take Alexander Volkanovski’s title.

• Age: 30;
• Height: 5.6”;
• Reach: 69”;
• Record: 20-5

If I’m honest, I wanted a top 15 opponent. That is what I have been asking for. But I know what it is like, if no.15 up to 10 are busy, you either have to wait for them or you just fight and at the end of the day. I don’t get paid if I don’t fight. I got offered Naimov, nowhere near the caliber of opponent I wanted to fight, but best believe I am not underestimating him.

Nathaniel Wood

The 29-year-old Tajikistan fighter competed and lost at the Dana White Contender Series in 2020. Following the DWCS loss, Naimov lost a bid for the Titan FC Featherweight crown when he dropped a decision against Olivier Murad in December 2021. Born in his native Tajikistan but now fighting out of Denver, Colorado, Muhammad Naimov was called up at short notice to make a UFC debut against Jamie Mullarkey last June. Although a massive underdog, the debutant scored a second-round KO and claimed a Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts. 

• Age: 29;
• Height: 5.9”;
• Reach: 70”;
• Record: 9-2

I don’t imagine they will rank me beating Naimov unless I get it done pretty damn quick. But I have no idea how the rankings work. Lerone Murphy just beat a guy [Joshua Culibao] that drew with a guy I smashed [Charles Jourdain]. I don’t get it.

Nathaniel Wood

Naimov is once again the underdog, priced at 3.75 to cause the upset on Bet365. Under 1.5 is priced at 3.15 on 1XBET. On Betwinner, over 2.5 rounds is 1.606, while the under is priced at 2.25 odds.