John Dodson will square off against Nathaniel Wood at UFC Fight Night in Rio Rancho, N.M., on Feb. 15.
Sherdog.com confirmed the bout with sources close to the event on Wednesday evening. UFC Rio Rancho takes place at the Santa Ana Star Center and is headlined by a light heavyweight rematch between Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz.
A former two-time UFC flyweight title challenger, Dodson is 3-4 since moving up to 135 pounds. The 35-year-old Albuquerque, N.M., native is coming off consecutive decision losses to Petr Yan and Jimmie Rivera. “The Magician” has bested Pedro Munhoz, Eddie Wineland and Manny Gamburyan at 135 pounds and is 9-6 in his promotional tenure overall.
Wood enters the matchup on an eight-bout winning streak. The 26-year-old Englishman has kicked off his UFC career with submission victories over Johnny Eduardo, Andre Ewell and Jose Alberto Quinonez after a stint as Cage Warriors bantamweight champion. “The Prospect” is 16-3 since making his pro debut in February 2012.