LONDON, United Kingdom — Women’s flyweight Joanne Wood returned from a year-long hiatus at UFC 286 to snap a three-game losing streak with a split decision win against Luana Carolina.
Before the bout, Wood (16-8) revealed she had one fight left on her UFC contract last Saturday and hoped to sign a new deal with a win. Otherwise, her career is in the balance.
She reiterated that she’s following her at the O2 Arena on Saturday, noting she’s not ready to drop the gloves yet.
“I love it here at UFC, love the staff, love you guys. It feels like UFC is my home and would love to sign another contract,” Wood told media including Cageside Press. “If not, I’ll fight my battles and then maybe I’ll drop the gloves, but I feel like now that I’m healthy, I don’t really want to drop them right now.”
With that in mind, Scotland’s Wood, who was training with Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas and brushed shoulders with head coach John Wood, thought of an opponent.
“Looking forward to getting back out there. I know Lauren Murphy is looking for a fight. I think Lauren ‘Not So Lucky the Next Time’ Murphy will be a good fight.”
Fortunately for Wood, UFC President Dana White This was confirmed in his own post-match press conference on Saturday He would love to take back flyweight. “We love her. I’m sure we’ll accomplish something with her. It’s great to have her around. The answer is yes. Of course. We’re going to have a new deal with Jojo.”
As for Saturday’s win over Carolina, Wood talked about what it was like to wait for the score to be read.
“I mean, like Dana said, never give it to the judges. So whenever you’re there waiting for the judges’ decision, you’re like ‘Dude, let the boss down.’ ’ But yeah, I’m glad I was there. Because I’ve had a lot of fights, close decisions, but I went for another girl. So definitely happy now.”
Watch Joanne Wood’s full UFC 286 post-fight press conference above.
