Nathaniel Wood Enters UFC 321 as 'The Last Kingsman' with Big Ambitions
Nathaniel Wood has touched down in Abu Dhabi for UFC 321, carrying not just a new nickname but a renewed sense of purpose and determination. After twelve fights in the UFC, Wood has retired his old moniker, "The Prospect," and emerged as "The Last Kingsman." He explained that the change felt necessary, saying he doesn’t want to extend his career into his forties and aims to retire on a high note. The nickname, inspired by the iconic film character and Wood’s own unconventional fighter image, represents a fresh chapter in his career. As he puts it, the timing felt perfect to evolve, especially with a new king in England and a desire to make his mark in the featherweight division.
Despite shedding the “prospect” label, Wood heads into UFC 321 facing a formidable opponent in Jose Delgado, a rising talent in the featherweight ranks. Delgado’s early UFC career has been impressive, with two first-round knockouts after earning his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. Oddsmakers currently favor Delgado over Wood, who is listed as the underdog for this weekend’s fight. But being the underdog is nothing new for Wood. He’s faced similar odds in the past, most notably against Morgan Charriere, where he delivered one of the most confident and skillful performances of his career despite the bookmakers’ predictions.
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Wood has long felt that his abilities have been undervalued. Over his seven years in the UFC and twelve fights, he has achieved a 9-3 record, with some losses being narrow or controversial. Off the Octagon, he has navigated personal challenges, including family responsibilities and injuries, yet he remains determined to prove his worth. He admits he might not garner as much attention as other fighters due to his reserved nature or British understatement, but his focus remains solely on performing when it counts.
Looking at Delgado, Wood acknowledges his opponent’s explosive start but believes that a closer examination reveals gaps. Wood emphasizes that the competition Delgado faced before the UFC does not match the level of athletes he has encountered. While respecting Delgado’s talent, Wood is confident in his own skill, speed, and experience, which he believes will give him a critical edge, particularly as he moves up to featherweight. He points out that while his opponent may have height and weight advantages, Wood’s quickness and ability to manage his camp efficiently should serve him well.
As UFC 321 approaches, Wood insists that fans will see the same determined fighter they know, only operating at the peak of his abilities. He plans to pursue a finish more aggressively than before but assures that the essence of his style remains intact. With motivation, speed, and experience on his side, “The Last Kingsman” is set to remind the UFC featherweight division why he has been a force to be reckoned with for years.
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