🥊 British UFC Fighter Nathaniel Wood Returns Jose Delgado’s Weight-Miss Fine

In a rare act of sportsmanship, British UFC featherweight Nathaniel Wood has confirmed he returned the 20% fine that opponent Jose Delgado was docked for missing weight before their fight in Abu Dhabi last month.

Delgado came in one pound over the 146lb (10st 6lb) featherweight limit, resulting in an automatic deduction from his fight purse — a penalty typically awarded to the opponent.

However, Wood revealed that he gave the money back to Delgado, citing the American’s effort, attitude, and lower pay as reasons for his decision.

“To the people messaging me saying I robbed him — man, I gave him his weight-miss purse back,” Wood said in an Instagram post.

“It was only one pound, and the kid is obviously not on as much money as I’m on. He gave one hell of a fight, so he deserves his money.”

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💰 UFC Weight-Miss Rules and Why Wood’s Gesture Is Rare

In the UFC, when a fighter fails to make weight, a percentage of their purse — typically 20% to 30% — is automatically awarded to their opponent. This is meant to penalize the fighter who missed weight and compensate the one who complied.

For Wood to voluntarily return the money is highly unusual in professional MMA, where purses can vary dramatically between competitors.

UFC officials confirmed Delgado had been fined, but declined to comment on Wood’s gesture, which has since gone viral across social media and MMA forums.

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⚔️ Nathaniel Wood vs Jose Delgado – Fight Recap

The 32-year-old Londoner narrowly defeated 27-year-old American Jose Delgado via unanimous decision in a closely contested featherweight bout.

While the result divided fans and analysts, Wood stood by the judges’ verdict but admitted it was a tight contest.

“In the fight, in my mind, I was like, ‘I’ve won.’ He won the first round, I took the second, and the third round was the decider,” said Wood.

“Watching the fight back — and being brutally honest — it could have gone either way.”

The win marked Wood’s third consecutive victory at featherweight, solidifying his reputation as one of Britain’s most skilled and technical UFC fighters.

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🧠 Wood’s Battle with OCD and Mental Health Journey

Wood has previously spoken openly about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how mental health support has improved his life and performance.

In a BBC Sport documentary, he described his OCD as a “living nightmare,” but credited therapy and routine as major factors in helping him regain focus inside and outside the Octagon.

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🏆 What’s Next for Nathaniel Wood?

Following his win over Delgado, Wood used his post-fight interview to call out 12th-ranked featherweight contender Patricio Pitbull for his next bout.

“I’ve proven I can go three tough rounds. Now I want someone in the top 15,” Wood declared.

A matchup with Pitbull would represent a significant step up for Wood as he continues his climb toward the UFC Featherweight Top 10.

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🔍 Summary

• Nathaniel Wood defeated Jose Delgado via unanimous decision in Abu Dhabi.
• Delgado missed weight by 1lb and was fined 20% of his purse.
• Wood returned the fine money, citing fairness and respect.
• The British fighter is on a three-fight win streak and targeting Patricio Pitbull next.
• Wood continues to inspire fans through his honesty, humility, and mental health advocacy.