UFC 294 is drawing near with plenty of exciting matchups, set to take place in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, October 21. One of those exciting bouts on the preliminary card features Nathaniel Wood and Muhammad Naimov facing off in a featherweight showdown, offering a prime opportunity for betting enthusiasts.

Wood has been the winner of his last three bouts. In his recent one, he defeated Andre Fili by unanimous decision back at UFC Fight Night 224 in July earlier this year.

He has steadily accrued a total of 19 victories, encompassing eight via knockouts, five through submissions, and six by decisions. Notably, seven of his wins culminated in first-round finishes. In the five instances where he faced defeat, two were due to knockout and two due to submissions.

Known as "The Prospect," he consistently maintains a striking accuracy of 49 percent and boasts a takedown accuracy of 54 percent. His significant strike ratio is assertive and slightly positive, as he delivers an impressive 6.24 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.35.

Wood's defense against significant strikes is commendable, with a rate of success at 58 percent. Additionally, he excels in defending against takedowns, demonstrating a solid 76 percent success rate. Although his ground game is not his primary focus, he occasionally attempts 1.70 takedowns and 0.52 submissions per 15 minutes of fighting action.

Naimov aims to extend his four-fight win streak with another one here. His recent win was a second round TKO over Jamie Mullarkey at UFC on ESPN 46.

He has emerged as the victor in nine of his past battles, comprising five knockouts, two submissions, and two decisions. Additionally, he boasts four first-round finishes, but on the flip side, he has suffered two losses by decision.

"Hillman" showcases an impressive 41 percent accuracy, yet his takedown accuracy leaves much to be desired, with no successful takedowns in the UFC. His offensive output remains consistent, delivering 3.48 significant strikes per minute, but he absorbs a considerably higher 5.53, resulting in a negative ratio that could pose challenges for him.

When it comes to defense, he maintains a decent 45 percent success rate against significant strikes and a 50 percent success rate against takedowns. Improving his defensive capabilities is imperative for his future success.

Based on the odds provided by MyBookie, it seems that Nathaniel Wood holds a distinct advantage over a well-known opponent.

Wood seems significantly more refined when looking at his stats and will likely offer a strong performance. If you decide to back Wood, you might consider enhancing his potential earnings by including him in a parlay bet with other fights scheduled for the evening.