Burgeoning Liverpudlian featherweight Luke Riley returns home Saturday night on the heels of a spectacular UFC debut, taking on American Michael Aswell Jr. in the co-main event of UFC London.
Riley (12–0, 1–0 UFC) arrived in MMA’s flagship promotion with emphasis, scoring a second-round knockout of Bogdan Grad in November. He looks to maintain that momentum against Aswell (11–3, 1–1 UFC), who rebounded from a loss in his UFC debut with a first-round KO of Lucas Almeida in October.
Riley enters as a -258 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Aswell sits as a +210 underdog. The total is set at 2.5 rounds.
Riley vs. Aswell Jr. Preview
Luke Riley
While he still has a long way to go, Luke Riley is following a path similar to many of the UFC’s top stars. The 26-year-old striker launched his career in Cage Warriors, amassing an 11–0 record with eight knockouts, including four first-round finishes.
Riley, who trains alongside Paddy Pimblett at Next Generation MMA, joined the lightweight star in the UFC in November. He quickly lived up to the hype. The scrappy Scouser, known for his all-action style and wrecking-ball power, demolished Bogdan Grad with a thunderous left hook for a second-round knockout — and a $50k bonus.
Michael Aswell Jr.
Michael Aswell Jr. may have gotten back in the win column, but he’s still searching for a statement win inside the Octagon.
After dropping a split-decision to Bogdan Grad — yeah, that Bogdan Grad — in Dana White’s Contender Series and a unanimous decision to Bolaji Oki in his UFC debut, “The Texas Kid” rebounded with a first-round knockout of Lucas Almeida in October. But here’s the rub: Almeida had a broken right hand, rendering it completely useless in the bout.
Still a former champion in Fury FC, Aswell is an accurate puncher with six knockouts to his name — three of which have come in the opening round. Although just 25 years old, questions remain about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Riley vs. Aswell Pick, Best Bet
Luke Riley is one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects for a reason, and he looks poised to cement his rising star with a win over the respectable Aswell. Feeding off his hometown crowd, the explosive Liverpudlian will likely turn things into a chaotic melee — overwhelming “The Texas Kid” with relentless pressure and landing the decisive shot to end the night.
