Home » UFC » Exclusive: “Makes so much sense” – Brad Pickett highlights who Nathaniel Wood should fight next

Nathaniel Wood impressed on UFC Fight Island and is searching for his next fight

Brad Pickett spoke highly of his protege Nathaniel Wood and picked who he should fight next.

The 27-year-old Wood defeated John Castaneda on short notice at Fight Island, and Pickett predicted a bright future for the English talent.

Brad Pickett celebrates after a UFC win
Brad Pickett of England celebrates his victory over Francisco Rivera of USA (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

While Wood has one loss in the short UFC career. However, Pickett told MMA Unhinged that the 27-year-old could get a title shot in the future:

“He is a very talented kid, great work ethic as well.”

Pickett highlighted that MMA was one of the sports that depended on how a fighter turned up on the night, but he believed Woods could get a title shot soon.

“I think Nathaniel has potential to get into the top 10, 100%. Even now, and get a few wins under his belt, get that confidence back in, which I believe he is getting there and hopefully, we get into title contention.”

Bring on Vera

Pickett was also asked who would, in an ideal world, be the next fight for Wood. The former UFC star spoke about Marlon Vera being the next logical opponent. However, he wasn’t sure why this clash hasn’t been made soon:

“A fight that should have happened by now, it’s kind of weird it hasn’t. I don’t know if I have to write stories and like build things. Chito Vera for me just makes so much sense from where they both are within their careers and just the story behind it all makes sense.”

While Vera faces Sean O’Malley next in what should be an incredible fight, Pickett believed Wood would get the win over Chito.

Nathaniel Wood fights in the UFC Bantanweight division
Nathaniel Wood reacts to winning the Bantamweight bout between Nathaniel Wood and Jose Quinonez at The O2 Arena on March 16, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

Wood is one of the brightest talents in a stacked Bantamweight division. And it will be interesting to see what is next for the 27-year-old.

Fight Island was a great advert for the former Cage Warriors Bantamweight champion and great things should be in store for him.

This is an exclusive interview from MMA Unhinged. For more exclusive interviews and content please follow the link.

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