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UFC Rio Rancho is beginning to shape up, as John Dodson vs. Nathaniel Wood has been added to the card.
Two bantamweights with very different runs of form will meet at UFC Rio Rancho in February, as former flyweight title challenger John Dodson takes on Nathaniel Wood.
After an initial report from Sherdog.com, the UFC announced the fight on Thursday through social media. This event will mark the first time the UFC has ever visited the city of Rio Rancho in New Mexico.
For the first time in his MMA career, Dodson (20-11) comes into this fight on the back of consecutive losses. “The Magician” lost a decision to top bantamweight Petr Yan in February, and was again on the wrong end of a decision against Jimmie Rivera in September 2018. A two-time title challenger at 125-pounds, Dodson is in desperate need of a win, only picking up two wins in his last six UFC appearances.
On the other end of the spectrum, Wood (16-3) is flying high since making his UFC debut in June of last year. Undefeated since 2016, the Brit has won his first three UFC fights all by submission, with his most recent being a second round rear-naked choke of Jose Quinonez at UFC London this March.
UFC Rio Rancho takes place on February 15th and will be headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz.