UFC Fighter Shares Life-Changing Experience with Dana White

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nathaniel Wood, a British mixed martial artist, revealed how UFC CEO Dana White provided crucial financial support during a challenging moment in his career. After an opponent withdrew from Wood’s planned fight, he faced the prospect of significant financial hardship until White stepped in to ensure he received his full fight purse.

Wood, known as ‘The Prospect,’ had been sidelined for nearly two years following a narrow decision loss to Casey Kenny in October 2020. During this time, he accumulated debt and struggled financially, just as the UFC offered him a chance at a homecoming fight.

Unfortunately, both Wood’s original opponent and a late replacement withdrew from the matchup, leaving him without a fight. “The UFC said, ‘Obviously, you’re not going to be fighting,’ and I was told that I would get some compensation money,” Wood explained in a recent interview.

At the time, Wood owed around £2,000, and his financial strain left him anxious about the compensation he might receive. He was initially told he could expect between $5,000 and $10,000, but this was insufficient to cover his mounting expenses.

“Backstage at the ceremonial weigh-ins, I see Dana White, and I said, ‘Dana, I’m gutted. I was ready to put my life on the line. I’ve done everything I can, but is compensation really happening because I really need it?’” Wood recounted.

In a surprising turn of events, White assured Wood saying, “Don’t worry buddy, I’ll pay you everything.” Not only did White cover Wood’s fight purse of $26,000, but he also paid him the additional win bonus, bringing the total to $52,000.

Wood described the unexpected paycheck as “life-changing money,” saying, “If I hadn’t gotten that purse, there’s a good chance I may have had to go and get some work on the side or just said enough is enough.” He noted that he used the funds to cover his wedding expenses just months later.

Since then, Wood has regained momentum in the Octagon, earning a decisive win over Daniel Pineda. He is now set to face French contender William Charriere at UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Della Maddalena on March 22.

Charriere has made a name for himself in the UFC since 2023, bouncing back from a split decision loss to secure a second-round TKO victory over Gabriel Miranda in September. The upcoming matchup against Wood will be a critical test for both fighters as they seek to ascend in the highly competitive division.

Wood’s resilience and White’s unexpected support highlight the complexities of a fighter’s career in the UFC, where financial security is often precarious and reliant on match outcomes.