UFC 321 – Nathaniel Wood vs Jose Delgado: Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for UFC 321, and one of the most intriguing matchups on the card features a clash between the seasoned Nathaniel Wood and the explosive Jose Delgado.

Wood (21-6) comes into this fight with a clear edge in UFC experience and fight IQ, and he’s trending in the right direction in terms of a top five spot in the featherweight division having won two straight unanimous decision wins and he registered a knockdown in both.

Delgado (10-1) enters UFC 321 as a dangerous wild card. A finisher by nature, he has won all three of his UFC fights by knockout, all coming in the first or second round.

Tale of the Tape 

Nathaniel Wood – Odds 2.30 

Record: 21-6

Age: 32

Height: 5ft6

Reach: 69”

Weight: Featherweight 

Stance: Orthodox 

Jose Delgado – Odds 1.62

Record: 10-1

Age: 27

Height: 5ft11 

Reach: 73”

Weight: Featherweight 

Stance: Switch

Nathaniel Wood vs Jose Delgado: Analysis 

Known for his crisp boxing, composure under pressure, and ability to mix in takedowns seamlessly, Wood thrives when he can dictate the pace. Against a longer, more powerful striker like Delgado, Wood’s key to victory will be footwork and distance management.

Expect Wood to use angles, low kicks, and level changes to close the gap early. Once inside, he’ll look to pressure Delgado against the cage and possibly take the fight to the mat, where his ground control and submission threats can neutralise the danger of Delgado’s power.

Delgado will want to keep this fight standing, maintaining range with his jab and forcing Wood to take risks when closing distance. His best chance lies in the opening five minutes, when his power is most potent and Wood is still finding his timing and rhythm. However, Delgado’s defence and cardio remain question marks. 

Wood vs Delgado: Prediction & Betting Tips

While Delgado’s explosiveness is certainly remarkable, I’m struggling to understand why he is the favourite in this one. Wood is by far the more experienced and has the better IQ.

I expect a measured start, with Wood working his way inside, slowing the pace, and gradually breaking Delgado down. Wood’s tactical discipline, strong conditioning, and veteran savvy should allow him to outwork Delgado over three rounds, reaffirming his place as one of the division’s most reliable and underrated technicians.

I’m not passing up on this opportunity of getting Wood at plus money against a guy with only three UFC fights to his name. Take Nathaniel Wood moneyline at 2.30 and watch him dictate the fight from start to finish.