LONDON – Morgan Charriere is ready to put on a show in front of a sold out UFC London crowd.
Charriere (20-10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) faces Nathaniel Wood (20-6 MMA, 8-3 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 255 (ESPN+) featherweight main card opener at The O2 in London.
Wood is a familiar name for Charriere, who also competed under the Cage Warriors banner for years.
“I was really happy to hear the news and the name,” Charriere told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at UFC Fight Night 255 media day. “And to know that I’m fighting in front of a crowd and not at the Apex – I was really happy. And it was Nathaniel. I know him. We know each other.
“We have a great history because of Cage Warriors. He was the bantamweight champion, I was the featherweight. I saw him succeed here in the UFC. I know what he brings, I know what I bring, so exciting matchup.”
Most of Charriere’s losses have been close decisions. With his two UFC wins coming in the form of Performance of the Night knockouts, Charriere is hunting the same against Wood, but knows it won’t be easy.
“I think it will be a great war, three rounds, because we are hard to finish,” Charriere said. “I am hard to finish. In MMA, nobody has been able to finish me. Nathaniel is hard to finish, too. I always try to get the finish, so either way: I’m getting the finish or we’re going to a decision.”
Charriere’s two octagon wins also came in front of big crowds at home in Paris. With his recent loss to Chepe Mariscal at the UFC Apex also earning him a bonus, Charriere thinks his fighting style warrants a big atmosphere.
“I will not say never fight again, but I prefer when I have a crowd,” Charriere said of the UFC Apex. “I think I perform better. I think my style is better for a crowd, what I bring, so fighting at the Apex is something different.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
