Nathaniel Wood vs Muhammad Naimov – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In one of the matchups on the fight card, Nathaniel “The Prospect” Wood will take on Muhammad “Hillman” Naimov in the Featherweight Bout. You can view the full UFC 294 card.

Wood brings a unique orthodox fighting stance with an 69″ reach. In contrast, Naimov, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 70″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 49% striking accuracy, Wood has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 6.24 per minute. On the other hand, Naimov boasts a 40% striking accuracy, landing approximately 3.48 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 31-year-old, Nathaniel Wood is coming in with a 20-5-0 record. Wood will be fighting for the first time since a win via unanimous decision against Andre Fili at UFC Fight Night: Aspinall vs. Tybura in July.

Naimov, meanwhile, is coming off a KO/TKO win against Jamie Mullarkey on July 22, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Kara-France vs. Albazi and holds a 9-2-0 record.

Nathaniel Wood has a orthodox fighting stance with an 69″ reach. The 29-year-old Muhammad Naimov is an orthodox fighter with a 70″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Nathaniel Wood stats

→ Wood’s striking accuracy is 49%.
→ Wood lands 6.24 significant strikes per minute.
→ Wood’s takedown accuracy is 54%.
→ Wood’s takedown average is 1.7 per 15 minutes.
→ Wood’s takedown defense is 76%.

Wood comes in with 49% striking accuracy, typically landing about 6.24 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Naimov fires at 40% accuracy, landing about 3.48 significant strikes per minute. Nathaniel Wood also has a 54% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 1.7 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Naimov’s 0 takedowns and 50% takedown accuracy.

Muhammad Naimov stats

→ Naimov’s striking accuracy is 40%.
→ Naimov lands 3.48 significant strikes per minute.
→ Naimov’s takedown accuracy is 0%.
→ Naimov’s takedown average is 0 per 15 minutes.
→ Naimov’s takedown defense is 50%.

Muhammad spent, on average, 11:30 minutes in the Octagon, and Nathaniel has an average fight time of 12:44 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an entertaining clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Nathaniel or Muhammad? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 294 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.