Image Credit: UFC
Nathaniel Wood has a new opponent for his bout on UFC Fight Island.
The Brit was set to face Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Fight Night 174 on July 25, but after the tragic death of his uncle, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Umar has understandably pulled himself from the event. With ‘The Prospect’ looking for a new opponent, MMA Junkie first reported that John Castaneda is set to make his debut opposite Wood in a bantamweight matchup.
Wood (16-4) is looking to bounce back after a crushing third round TKO loss to John Dodson in January, and is looking to put his first UFC loss behind him with a win on Fight Island. Prior to that, he was riding a three fight win streak in the promotion, with three submission finishes. The former Cage Warriors champion is trained by ex UFC star Brad Pickett, and has 14 finishes amongst his 16 career wins.
Castaneda (17-4) is a former Combate Americas bantamweight champion and was an early competitor on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, where he picked up a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten, Cheyden Leialoha. The ‘Sexy Mexi’ has lost two of his last three, and hasn’t fought since he snapped a two fight losing streak in April of last year, securing an Arm Triangle Choke against Marcelo Rojo.
UFC Fight Night 174 is expected to be headlined by a middleweight five-rounder between Darren Till and ex-champion Robert Whittaker, with legends Mauricio Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira are scheduled to face off in the co-main.
