Featherweights Nathaniel Wood and Morgan Charriere kicked off the UFC London main card at the O2 Arena in London, England on Saturday.
Ahead of the fight, both men had shown the other ample respect, though Wood would obviously have the crowd behind him, given the Brit was the home town favorite who lived all of 40 minutes from the venue. France’s Charriere was happy just to have a live crowd period, however; Wood, meanwhile, had suggested he might have the speed advantage in the fight, having made the move up from 135lbs a few years back.
Wood came out controlling the center of the cage and landed a clean left hook in the opening minute of the fight. As Charriere backed up, Wood landed a picture perfect overhand left that put the French prospect flat on his back. Wood pounced on top looking to finish the fight, but Charriere showed extreme resilience grabbing his opponents leg for survival and eventually reversing position and ending in top control. A wild exchange between the two entered the guard as Wood looked to secure a submission of his back. After back and forth grappling exchanges until the end of the round, Wood jumped out to an early lead after the opening five minutes.
Immediately starting the second round both fighters came aggressively, with Charriere threatening multiple takedowns while applying pressure. Wood landed a solid left hook-right straight combination that got Charriere’s attention. After being dropped in the last round Morgan continued to match forward looking for a takedown, but almost got caught in a guillotine choke by Wood. Both fighters scrambled to their feet as the horn sounded ending the round. This was a highly competitive round that could have been scored either way.
Charriere started to open up with his striking to start the third connecting with a solid kick to the body. Wood took control of the cage moving forward but getting met with stinging kicks to the body. The output of Charriere on the feet was not what we have seen in previous fights, operating much more cautious than we have previously seen. Wood landed a few kicks to the leg of his opponent without much coming back his way. This was turning into a very tactical battle that may not have been the most entertaining for fight fans. In the final minute wood landed a jab and leg kick combination before Charriere missed on a spinning back fist. As the final bell rang both fighters raised their hands in victory.
All three judges scored the fight for Wood who has now won five of his last six fights. When asked who he would like to face next Wood stated that it would be up the company and he would fight anyone. This was a statement win for Wood who earned a solid victory over a fellow European contender.
Official Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Morgan Charriere by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
