Nathaniel Wood has a new opponent for “Fight Island.”
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that Wood will now face promotional newcomer John Castaneda at the UFC’s event on July 25. Castaneda will replace Umar Nurmagomedov on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
MMA Junkie was first to report the new matchup.
After finishing his first three UFC fights, Wood had his eight-fight winning streak snapped in February by John Dodson at UFC Rio Rancho via TKO in the third round. “The Prospect,” a former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion, holds octagon submission wins over Johnny Eduardo, Andre Ewell and Jose Quinones.
Castaneda has spent most of his career competing for Combate Americas and was the promotion’s bantamweight champion. “Sexi Mexi” competed on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2017 and wasn’t able to secure a UFC contract despite earning a decision win over Cheyden Leialoha. The 28-year-old lost consecutive fights before picking up a third-round submission win in his most recent appearance at Combate Americas 35.
The UFC’s July 25 event will be headlined by a middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Darren Till.
