DOMINIQUEWOODING knew from childhood that he would be a world champion. But, before he could get his hands on Cage Warriors gold, that belief was matched by a long period of self-doubt.
Wooding, a soft-spoken but deadly fighter, claimed the vacant 135lb title in September. He defeated Next Generation's Nathan Fletcher at Cage Warriors 127.
Dominique Wooding won the Cage Warriors bantamweight title
The Londoner, who was promoted after a failed stint in Bellator, achieved victory over Fletcher.
The Black Panther also admits to having doubted his abilities after a two-fight skid.
SunSport spoke to the Violent Money ambassador, saying: "Having two losses in Bellator is going to affect your thinking and how you feel moving forward.
"All humans have doubts at times. There is no human or other living being who doesn't doubt.
"Especially when you go through the little storm of two loss."
Wooding was unfortunately forced to take a layoff by Covid, prolonging the fight in his head.
The 25-year old said that his first loss in Bellator came in September 2019, and then Covid. I had to wait more than a year before I could fight again.
"The next one would be in October 2020. It was a lot to think about, lots of conversations with myself, and many conversations with my family members. My family, and the closest ones.
"I felt lost at that time, especially after the second loss. Disbelief creeps in, evidently. Although the belief was still strong, it wasn't as strong as when you are on a high.
Wooding made a lot of changes to his sport approach that led to Wooding's self-belief being restored.
He was helped by former Cage Warriors flyweight champion Nathan Greyson, and UFC new-boy Jake Hadley.
He stated that he knew he would see better days but that the only way to see this was to make changes. That's exactly what I did.
Nathan Greyson, my brother. He was the one who helped me get that shift. Jake Hadley, another fighter you would not believe helped me make that shift.
He deserves a shoutout. He just received a UFC contract. These two men were pivotal in changing my training, my team and my training.
Nathan Greyson is a great friend and has been with us since the beginning. He's been a great help. He was a great help.
"A lot of positive things have happened to me since that shift. That's why I want to keep that mindset, keep my head down and continue to graft, stay focused, and just keep going. You will see the results.
Wooding was able to achieve the results he hoped for, and showed no signs of self-doubt during his 69 second demolition of Cameron Hardy at Cage Warriors 122.4 in July.
Fletcher's win proved that he was correct to believe in his skills.
His title win was a joy. He stated that it felt good to be champion. However, I wasn't expecting to be able to get the title shot so soon. I was hoping to get it in December.
"Because they thought they were going to give me one more fight, then give me the title shot. It came much sooner than I expected. It was still better for me.
Wooding displayed calmness as he made his way towards the cage to take his first shot at Cage Warriors gold. Fletcher couldn't do that with him.
Londoner: "When he entered the cage, he could see that he was in shock. Because he has never been in such a position before.
"I have fought for a title in the world before, he hasn’t. He was undefeated, and he seemed confident that he would come in and take me out in two rounds.
"Obviously, his team and guys such as Paddy Pimblett were blowing smoke all over his a**e. He was going to believe his own hype. But I've been there. That's my record.
He was completely new to everything, even the build up to the fight. Face-off interviews, everything to build the fight was all new for him.
"He even had Paddy speak for him sometimes. This was just a way to show me that you don't have the right to own this moment. It was also a subtle sign that I wasn't ready for it.
Wooding believes that they will meet again, despite Fletcher's emphatic way of finishing it.
The bantamweight of the Great Britain Top Team said that he would learn a lot from the fight, 100%. That is what I have no doubt about.
"I told him after the fight that we would see each other soon, but I believe that it will be in UFC."
Wooding will attempt to defend his bantamweight crown on December 11, at London's York Hall.
However, a potential opponent has not yet been announced for his maiden defense of the title.
Wooding believes that if he keeps his belt in a stunning manner, he could be called by the UFC.
He stated, "I wouldn’t be surprised if my next fight is a devastating one and there’s a [UFC] deal on the table right afterwards."
"I wouldn't be surprised, because each time I finish a bout it's an announcement. I do not do any TKOs. I help people get out of their misery.
"Everytime I fight and make it to the finish, it's a statement. My finishes are not what you would expect. It is difficult to predict the future right now.
"Obviously, I would love to defend a few titles. However, if I get an amazing KO in my first title defense and it goes viral again it will be difficult for the UFC not to sign me and offer me a contract."
Wooding believes he is on the UFC's radar, but he refuses to be excited about the possibility of being signed to the premier promotion in mixed martial arts.
He stated, "I take it one step at the time and I'll watch what happens in future." I don't want it to be said that I'm going to be here, or that I'm going to be there within a specific time frame. It's one step at a given time.
He believes that his name could be added to the UFC roster in the early part of next year.
Wooding said, "Don't be surprised to see the UFC in 2022's first half."
Wooding spoke with SunSport before the launch of Violent Money Academy. Violent Money: They see violence; we see opportunity.
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