Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood knows he’s ready to make the jump to the UFC. What better opportunity to do so than the upcoming event in Liverpool on May 27th?
After a very impressive title defense at Cage Warriors 92 knocking out Luca Iovine in the firts round, Wood knows it’s time. The crowd in London agreed with him as they chanted “UFC” after his second bantamweight title defense. And if that weren’t enough, Cage Warriors president, Graham Boylan, also stated he felt it’s time for Nathaniel to sign with the UFC.
Wood made an appearance in The MMA Hour and said he also believes it’s time. He added that he’s been ready for the Octagon for a long time.
“I think I’ve been ready for the UFC for the last two-and-a-half years, but now I can say it because of how my record has gone and how my wins have been.”
“I’m more than ready now. Now, I think I can go in there and I’d be ready to take on the top-10. For Graham to back that, to me that makes sense. He knows it’s the truth and I think a lot of the people know it’s the truth. Cage Warriors are a good promotion for me to be with. I think they do have the fighter’s best interest at heart. I think if Boylan thinks I’m ready for the UFC, that speaks for itself.”
As much as he’s hoping for a Liverpool debut, he wants to handle the negotiation properly. He’s confident the UFC will contact him without him having to “beg” for an opportunity.
“It’s a confidence thing. I’m ready for the UFC and I’ll be in the UFC, so I won’t beg. I know they’re coming to me, and if they don’t, it’s their loss. A lot of people need to beg to get into the UFC because that’s their only way in. To me, my fighting does the talking.
“If the UFC doesn’t come, I’ll knock another guy out until they eventually do come. But I’ll never beg any man for anything.”
