Photo: UFC 286 Loses Clash of the Brits after Gruesome Injury Forces Withdrawal

UFC featherweight Nathaniel Wood suffered a horrific injury and will no longer compete against Lerone Murphy

UFC 286, Nathaniel Wood, Lerone Murphy
Credit: Nathaniel Wood (via Instagram)

Nathaniel Wood has pulled out of his scheduled bout with fellow Englishman Lerone Murphy at UFC 286.

Budding UFC featherweight prospect Nathaniel Wood was lined up to face Murphy at UFC 286 on Mar. 18 at the O2 Arena in London. It would mark the promotion’s first pay-per-view of the year in both men’s native land of the United Kingdom. Coming off a win over Charles Jourdain in September, Wood was looking to extend his winning run and hand Murphy the first defeat of his career.

UFC 286 loses Nathaniel Wood v Lerone Murphy

In a recent post made on Instagram, Wood shared the unfortunate news of his withdrawal from UFC 286 due to a gruesome injury.

“Warning graphic,” he wrote. “It is with a heavy heart to announce I will no longer be fighting in London. It seems I just can’t get a break in this game with constant set backs. A freak accident landing on wooden trim in wrestling practice. Sorry for all those who were coming to see me. Going to have a sit down and think about some things.

“The highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows. Unfortunately I cannot bend my knee until these stitches are out. As always a huge thankyou to my team, sponsors , family and supporters.”

It’s not clear if Murphy will get a new opponent

‘The Miracle’ made his way to the UFC in Sep. 2019 after making a name for himself on the regional circuit. His debut under the banner resulted in a split draw with Zubaira Tukhugov at UFC 242. Following the outing, Murphy racked up a three-fight winning streak but has remained on the sidelines for nearly a year and a half.

With Wood out of the picture for the March event, it remains to be seen whether the UFC choose to keep Murphy on the card by matching him up with a new opponent. On the other hand, the promotion could also scrap the contest and replace it with another bout.

UFC 286 will be headlined by the welterweight title fight between champion Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.

Published on February 8, 2023 at 6:09 pm
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