Mixed martial artist Nathaniel Wood has already made history in 2017 by becoming the first Cage Warriors world champion from London.

Now whispers suggest that a successful defence of his title at the O2 Arena next month would warrant him an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract.

Last year the UFC was sold for an unprecedented $4 billion.

Wood told Sutton Guardian: “It would be huge. I have not had any 100% confirmation but from what my coaches and managers are telling me they seem to have spoken to people. They are holding back from telling me too much until this fight is out the way.

“I feel if I go in there and put on a good performance then how can they (UFC) not sign me? If I beat him in good fashion, like the way I finished my last three opponents, then I don’t need to do much more.

“The UFC is the biggest platform and I want to represent my country on the highest stage I can. Of course I would start earning more money which would help in a big way.”

Before a potential signing with the billion dollar promotion, Wood, 24, will defend his Cage Warriors bantamweight title against Josh Reed at the O2 on September 16.

“Preparation has been great,” Wood said. “It’s the same approach as usual. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it. We have slightly changed tactics because of the new opponent and we are working around that. I’m just being the best martial artist I can be.

“I think I’m going to TKO him in the first round. That’s what I’ve envisage.”

Wood provided his opinion on a former Cage Warriors champion, Conor McGregor, who will fight Floyd Mayweather in a boxing bout on August 26.

He said: “I’m very excited to watch it. There has been a lot of build-up. I don’t see how McGregor can win, it’s a completely different sport. Floyd Mayweather is the best there is.

“But the more I watch it the more I believe he can do it. He is young and he hits very hard. Mayweather is getting old. Mayweather is used to fighting the best boxers. If McGregor can show a different style then he has the potential to catch Mayweather, even with eight or ten ounce gloves if he catches him then it could be all she wrote.”

The Sutton fighter, who holds a record of 11 wins and three defeats, has ordered over 200 tickets for his upcoming bout and hopes to sell them all.

He discussed what life has been life since becoming a world champion after a first round defeat of Marko Kovacevic in the O2 Arena on June 2.

“Not much has changed but I have a lot bigger following on social media which is quite cool."

Wood, who trains from Raptures Martial Arts School in Sutton and Titan Mixed Martial Arts Academy in North London, added: "I have had a few random people coming up on the street recognising me which is odd. Being champion has put me in a positive position. It’s getting me a lot more notice.”