- George Chung
- Jul 24, 2024
- 2 min read
Nathaniel Wood is in a good place, mentally and physically, as he prepares for his return to the Octagon in Manchester at UFC 304. This Saturday, he faces Daniel Pineda in the final preliminary card matchup, bringing a renewed perspective to the fight.
Much of this renewed outlook comes from his new role as a father. Wood's daughter, Arla, born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and recently diagnosed with a hole in her heart, has transformed his priorities.
“She’s really changed my outlook on life,” says Wood, reflecting on the profound impact his daughter has had on him. “When she was born, my immediate instinct was to protect her at all costs. I can’t explain it; it was just an instant, overwhelming love.”
Wood's focus now is to thrive in his sport, not just for personal glory but to provide the best possible life for his daughter. He aims to achieve success in the Octagon, save wisely, and ensure a stable future for his family.
Beyond his fight career, Wood has also become an advocate for mental health. After a victory over Charles Jourdain, he openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which resonated with many fans.
Despite initial fears of being perceived as jumping on the mental health bandwagon, Wood has only received positive feedback. This has encouraged him to continue speaking out and helping others feel less alone in their struggles.
However, Wood’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Last year in Abu Dhabi, anxiety overshadowed his fight preparation, leading to a less than optimal performance.
“I just didn’t want to be there,” he admits. “I was mentally checked out and struggling with intrusive thoughts. It was a dark time, but it taught me the importance of being in the right mindset.”
This weekend, fighting in Manchester brings Wood comfort and motivation. Unlike his coach Brad Pickett, who enjoyed fighting abroad, Wood prefers the familiarity and support of being close to home.
With a supportive crowd expected this Saturday, Wood is eager to perform well and continue his path towards making Arla proud.
“This fight means everything to me. It’s the first one with my daughter in my life, and I want to win for her. I love competing and proving I’m one of the best in the world. It’s not just business; it’s personal.”
Don’t miss a moment of UFC 304: Edwards vs Muhammad 2, live from Co-Op Live in Manchester, England. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, while the main card kicks off live on PPV at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
