Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former UFC flyweight title challenger John Dodson scored his first Octagon finish since 2016 earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 15, 2020) at UFC Fight Night 167 live on ESPN+ from inside Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, when he ended highly-touted English bantamweight prospect Nathaniel Wood via third-round TKO (punches).
This was not an easy fight for either fighter, as Wood and Dodson both landed meaningful shots over the course of the first 10 minutes. Entering the third round, Wood aggressively pursued “The Magician” and ended up eating the biggest punch of the fight. Wood entered inside for a combination and actually connected on a few shots, but Dodson was there to throw a double left hook that caught Wood and planted the youngster on the canvas. Dodson would jump on top for a few of his patented quick strikes before the referee stepped in.
Check out the late stoppage above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
With this performance, Dodson gets back into the UFC win column after dropping back-to-back fights to division contenders Petr Yan and Jimmie Rivera. The 35-year-old veteran likely needed a big performance to stay afloat on the UFC roster and he most certainly cashed in. Wood was, and still is, considered one of the most talented young fighters in the sport today and Dodson turned him into mush when it mattered most.
For complete UFC Rio Rancho results and coverage click here.