UFC London Hot Prospect of the Week: England Stand Up

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Britain fighter Nathaniel Wood competes against Canadian fighter Charles Jourdain in their men's featherweight fight during UFC Fight Night 209. JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP

UFC London Hot Prospect Betting Pick

Nathaniel Wood -200 at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)

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Nathaniel Wood -200
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We’re back again with another hot prospect betting pick. The UFC returns to British soil for a Fight Night event filled with prosperous talent, and we’ve located the ideal wager.

Continue reading for our UFC London betting guide and best bets, taking a first look at Nathaniel Wood and his opponent, Andre Fili.


UFC London Information

  • Date & Time: Saturday, July 22, 2023 – 12:10 PM EDT
  • Location: O2 Arena, London
  • Scheduled Fights: 15
  • Main Event: Tom Aspinall vs. Marcin Tybura (UFC Heavyweight Bout)


UFC London Hot Prospect Profile: Nathaniel Wood

  • Pro MMA Record: 19-5-0 (8 KO/TKOs, 6 submissions, 5 decisions)
  • UFC Record: 6-2 (3 submissions, 3 decisions)

Boasting a 6-2 UFC record since making his promotional debut in 2018, Nathaniel Wood has undoubtedly lived up to his nickname ‘The Prospect’ and is arguably yet to reach his fighting prime.

A background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu has heavily assisted the Englishman’s grappling prowess, unlike many UK-based fighters that often struggle with the heavy wrestling base that’s present in the UFC.

Wood’s rise through the formidable Cage Warriors promotion en route to the UFC presented an emphatic highlight reel, as the former CW bantamweight champion collected a four-fight win streak that involved consecutive KO/TKO wins in those bouts.

Grappling is his forte, and winning his first two UFC contests via submission was evidence of this. However, his striking credentials are often overlooked and have been instrumental in assisting him with an 80% win rate as a UFC competitor.

Wood vs. Fili: The Fight Tape

Unappreciated of the tough weight cut at 135 lbs, Wood moved up to the featherweight division and has never looked better with noteworthy cardio. Back-to-back wins over Charles Rosa and Charles Jourdain proved he could contend as the smaller fighter, known for stringing together accurate combinations by jumping in and out of the pocket to overcome the reach disadvantage he’s often presented with.

Much like Wood, his weekend opponent, Andre Fili, is well-versed and commendable in all areas. However, a 10-year career fighting at the highest level is taking a toll on his longevity.

Sprawling takedowns and attacking submissions, offensive trips, and a mixture of strikes on the feet are a trio of interesting factors that could counteract Fili’s chance of victory. Furthermore, cardio, durability, and speed will side with the British fighter.

UFC London Hot Prospect Best Bet

The available UFC odds at the top US sportsbooks are a bit chalky for Wood, but at -200, it’s still playable from a wagering standpoint. Wood is the rightful favorite, but I wouldn’t be happy betting on him beyond -250 simply because of Fili’s veteran mentality.

However, we’re within 50 points of this price range, and in a contest that could be domineering for Wood or a close decision, judges in England would need to see the Fili dominate to consider him in a bout that isn’t expected to play out in that fashion anyway.

UFC Pick: Nathaniel Wood -200 at BetOnline [2u to win 1u]


UFC London Main Card & Odds

UFC London Preliminary Card & Odds

*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.