The UFC is returning to London on March 22, 2025, and fight fans are buzzing with excitement for an electrifying featherweight clash between Nathaniel Wood and Morgan Charrière. This matchup, set to take place at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Brady, pits two former Cage Warriors champions against each other in what promises to be a high-stakes, action-packed showdown. Whether you’re a hardcore MMA enthusiast or a casual bettor looking to cash in, this article dives deep into the Nathaniel Wood vs. Morgan Charrière prediction, betting tips, analysis, stats, and odds to help you make informed decisions.
Let’s break it all down—fighter backgrounds, key stats, fight analysis, betting odds, and expert tips—so you can enjoy the fight and maybe even profit from it!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of predictions and betting tips, let’s meet the fighters stepping into the Octagon.
Nathaniel Wood: The British Brawler
Nathaniel “The Prospect” Wood is a 31-year-old English featherweight with a reputation for technical striking and relentless wrestling. Hailing from London, Wood carries a professional record of 20-6 into this fight, with 8 of those wins coming inside the UFC. A former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion, Wood transitioned to featherweight in 2022 and has since gone 4-1 in the division, showcasing his adaptability and growth.
Wood’s fighting style is a blend of crisp striking (6.32 significant strikes landed per minute) and solid grappling (1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes). His durability is notable too—he’s only been finished twice in his career. Coming off a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Pineda at UFC 304 in July 2024, Wood is riding momentum and will have the home crowd at the O2 Arena roaring behind him.
Morgan Charrière: The French Phenom
Morgan “The Last Pirate” Charrière, a 29-year-old Frenchman, brings a 20-10-1 record to the table. Like Wood, he’s a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, claiming the title with a brutal knockout in 2020. Charrière’s UFC journey has been a mixed bag so far—he’s 2-1 since joining the promotion in 2023, with a highlight-reel knockout of Manolo Zecchini in his debut followed by a decision loss to Chepe Mariscal and a recent win over Gabriel Santos.
Charrière is a striker at heart, averaging 4.85 significant strikes per minute with a penchant for finishing fights (13 of his 20 wins are by KO/TKO). His aggressive, forward-pressure style makes him a fan favorite, but his takedown defense (currently untested extensively in the UFC) could be a question mark against a wrestler like Wood.
This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup with a twist—both fighters have the skills to surprise. Let’s analyze the key factors that could determine the outcome.
Striking: Charrière’s Power vs. Wood’s Precision
Morgan Charrière’s striking is his bread and butter. With a 65% knockout rate in his wins, he’s got the kind of power that can turn lights out in an instant. His forward pressure and ability to land heavy shots make him dangerous, especially early in fights. Against Gabriel Santos in December 2024, he showcased his resilience, coming back from a slow start to secure a split decision.
Nathaniel Wood, on the other hand, is a more technical striker. He lands more frequently (6.32 significant strikes per minute vs. Charrière’s 4.85) and boasts a 48% accuracy rate. Wood’s game plan often involves mixing strikes with takedown attempts, keeping opponents guessing. His striking shone in his win over Andre Fili in 2023, where he outpointed a seasoned veteran with crisp combinations.
Edge: Wood’s volume and versatility give him a slight advantage, but Charrière’s power could flip the script with one clean shot.
Grappling: Wood’s Ace in the Hole
Wood’s wrestling is a major X-factor. He averages 1.24 takedowns per 15 minutes and has a 76% takedown defense rate, meaning he can dictate where the fight goes. Against Daniel Pineda, he landed multiple takedowns and controlled the fight on the mat, securing a decision win. If Wood can drag Charrière to the ground, he could sap the Frenchman’s energy and rack up points.
Charrière’s grappling stats are less defined due to limited UFC exposure, but his takedown defense hasn’t been heavily tested. In Cage Warriors, he relied heavily on his striking, and his loss to Chepe Mariscal exposed some vulnerabilities when pressured. If Wood exploits this, it could be a long night for “The Last Pirate.”
Edge: Wood dominates here unless Charrière has drastically improved his ground game.
Cardio and Durability
Both fighters have shown they can go the distance. Wood’s last six fights have gone to decision, a testament to his stamina and toughness. Charrière has also fought three-round wars, though his aggressive style can lead to fatigue if he doesn’t secure an early finish. Wood’s 56% significant strike defense compared to Charrière’s untested UFC defensive metrics suggests the Brit might weather the storm better.
Edge: Wood’s consistency gives him the nod.
Here’s a quick look at the tale of the tape and key stats (based on available UFC data as of March 2025):
Stat | Nathaniel Wood | Morgan Charrière |
Record | 20-6 | 20-10-1 |
UFC Record | 8-3 | 2-1 |
Height | 5’6” | 5’8” |
Reach | 69” | 70” |
Sig. Strikes/Min | 6.32 | 4.85 |
Strike Accuracy | 48% | 45% (estimated) |
Takedowns/15 Min | 1.24 | 0.50 (estimated) |
Takedown Defense | 76% | Unknown (limited data) |
Finishes | 14 (9 KO, 5 Sub) | 16 (13 KO, 3 Sub) |
These numbers highlight Wood’s edge in activity and grappling, while Charrière’s finishing rate underscores his knockout threat.
As of March 17, 2025, here are the latest betting odds for the fight (subject to change closer to fight night):
These odds reflect Wood’s status as the favorite, likely due to his UFC experience, home advantage, and well-rounded skill set. Charrière’s underdog status aligns with his knockout potential but unproven grappling against elite competition.
So, who wins this featherweight showdown? Let’s put it all together.
How Wood Wins
Wood’s path to victory lies in his wrestling and fight IQ. By mixing strikes with takedowns, he can disrupt Charrière’s rhythm and avoid standing in the pocket where the Frenchman’s power shines. Wood’s experience in three-round fights and his ability to grind out decisions make him a safe bet to outlast Charrière, especially with the London crowd fueling his fire. A unanimous decision victory feels like the most likely outcome.
How Charrière Wins
Charrière needs to keep this fight standing and land something big. His knockout power is his equalizer—think of his debut KO over Zecchini. If he can stuff Wood’s early takedowns and force a striking battle, he could catch the Brit with a devastating blow. An early finish is his best shot, as Wood’s cardio might wear him down in later rounds.
Final Prediction
I’m leaning toward Nathaniel Wood via unanimous decision. His technical striking, superior wrestling, and home-field advantage should carry him to victory. Charrière’s power keeps it interesting, but Wood’s ability to control the fight’s pace and location tips the scales. Expect a competitive scrap that goes the distance, with Wood’s hand raised at the end.
Ready to place some bets? Here are expert tips based on the analysis:
Pro Tip: Combine Wood moneyline with Over 2.5 Rounds in a parlay for boosted value without much added risk.
Beyond the betting and predictions, Nathaniel Wood vs. Morgan Charrière is a pivotal moment for both fighters. For Wood, a win solidifies his status as a featherweight contender, potentially earning him a ranked opponent next. For Charrière, an upset victory could catapult him into the top 15 and prove he’s more than just a highlight-reel striker. Plus, with two former Cage Warriors champs duking it out, it’s a clash of pride and legacy.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this one—it’s shaping up to be a banger!
The Nathaniel Wood vs. Morgan Charrière fight is a must-watch for MMA fans and bettors alike. Wood’s technical prowess and grappling edge make him the favorite, but Charrière’s knockout power ensures this won’t be a walk in the park. Whether you’re rooting for the hometown hero or the French underdog, this clash has all the ingredients for a memorable night at UFC London.
What’s your prediction? Are you betting on Wood’s consistency or Charrière’s chaos? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get ready for fight night!
March 17, 2025
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