MMA Preview – Nathaniel Wood vs Casey Kenney at UFC 254
NATHANIEL WOOD VS CASEY KENNEY FACTS
When is UFC 254? Saturday 24th September, 2020 - 17:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 254? Flash Forum, Fight Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 254? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC 254 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 254? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
NATHANIEL WOOD VS CASEY KENNEY LOWDOWN
One of the brightest prospects coming out of England is Nathaniel Wood (17-4) who is primed to make a march up the bantamweight division after suffering his first loss in the UFC. He had a lot of hype around him sitting on an eight-fight win streak and winning his first three UFC fights all via submission. However, he was handed UFC veteran and former title challenger, John Dodson and got derailed suffering a TKO in the third round. However, he dusted himself off and came to Fight Island in July to get back in the win column with a unanimous decision over John Castaneda.
He takes on another bantamweight prospect in the shape of Casey Kenney (15-2-1). His only loss in his last nine fights was to Merab Dvalishvili and in his run up to the UFC he won the LFA interim bantamweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Brandon Royval. He is already on Fight Island and fresh off his unanimous decision win over Heili Alateng three weeks ago to add to his impressive collection of UFC scalps already, including Ray Borg, Manny Bermudez and Louis Smolka.
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NATHANIEL WOOD VS CASEY KENNEY PREDICTION
This is a catchweight bout at 140 lbs and it is a fascinating match-up on paper. Wood is a natural striker who has added a very dangerous ground game whereas Kenney is a natural judoka and wrestler who has added striking to his game.
As good as Wood is on the ground with his submission threat, he will not want to risk being smothered under Kenney, so he is likely to try and keep the fight standing and look for the knockout. He has better technique on the feet and the speed to light Kenney up, so he will be wise to stick to his strengths and wrestle.
This is a very close fight to call and if it plays out on the feet you have to back Wood and he also possesses the submission threat on the ground. Kenney may have paid attention to Wood’s second round with Dodson where the American subdued him in the clinch. Kenney has the wrestling to nullify Wood’s threats to grind out a decision but if he backs his striking it will be a long night for him.
Prediction: Wood via Decision
