Mixed Martials Arts, a sport which has grown over the past few years in the UK/Ireland, with athletes Michael Bisping, Brad Pickett, Conor McGregor, Jo Jo Calderwood and Dan Hardy carrying the torch allowing many new prospects to come up through the ranks and make a living out of a sport they love. One name’s been bandied about for a while now. A man whose nickname is ‘The Prospect’ and we just witnessed his impressive title defence at Cage Warriors 86 at O2 Indigo.
Say hello to Nathaniel ‘The Prospect’ Wood. The Cage Warriors Bantamweight champion agreed to answer a few questions for us.
How did you get into the sport of Mixed Martial Arts?
After watching a lot of UFC and highlight reels of the UFC stars I finally went along to BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) with my dad where I was introduced to MMA and hooked instantly.
What’s the first MMA fight you saw and which fighter did you look up to?
I think it was Chuck Liddell vs Tito Ortiz the first fight I saw. Anderson Silva was probably the original fighter who I looked up to.
When was the moment you decided MMA was going to be your full-time career?
From the moment I started, my intentions were to pursue MMA as a career. It wasn’t until I started fighting (18) that I realised how much potential I had.
You’re called ‘The Prospect” – who gave you that name?
After watching Sons of Anarchy one day I looked up what ‘the prospect’ actually meant and my dad suggested using it as my nickname.
You have MMA Icon/legend Brad ‘One Punch’ Pickett in your corner. What’s it like having him backing you up?
Amazing, the guy has been there, done that and got the t-shirt. To have him ing on all his knowledge to me now means a lot.
Which MMA athlete would you tell the readers to look out for in 2018?
Nathan Greyson.
Some music questions… What track/album gets you pumped for the start of the day and training? What is it about the song that gives you that extra “umph”?
Black Strobe – “I’m a Man”. I can always rely on this entrance song to get me pumped.
Is there a go-to record that has always been with you up to today?
Eminem – Til I Collapse never gets old.
If you could create a rock supergroup, which musicians would be in it?
A mix between Johnny Cash and Linkin Park would rock.
If you had to choose one song that describes you and your fight style what would it be and why?
“Push it to the Limit” from the Scarface soundtrack. As I feel I do that every day. ️
Back to MMA: If you could enter the octagon against any MMA legend past and present, who would it be and why?
Conor McGregor- it’s the payday.
Where do you see yourself in 2018?
2018 I see myself calling out the top 10 UFC bantamweights.
Nathaniel Wood: facebook | twitter
