Rising featherweights collide on Saturday night, as Michael Aswell faces JooSang Yoo at UFC 331: Van vs. Pantioja 2 in Los Angeles, California.
Aswell (11–5, 1–3) has dropped back-to-back decisions, most recently falling short on the scorecards against Gaston Bolanos in June. Yoo (9–1, 1–1 UFC) is coming off his first professional loss, a second-round TKO loss to Daniel Santos at UFC 320 in October 2025.
Yoo enters as a heavy -245 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Aswell is a +200 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Michael Aswell vs. JooSang Yoo Fight Preview
Michael Aswell
- 11–5 (1–3 UFC)
- 6–0 (T)KO
- 0–0 SUB
Michael Aswell has struggled to carve out a foothold in the 145-pound landscape since arriving in the UFC in May 2025. He’s gone 1–3 inside the Octagon; his lone win in that span came against Lucas Almeida, whose right hand appeared injured heading into the fight.
Although “The Texas Kid,” 25, has been active on the feet, he hasn’t displayed much power or finishing upside. He has, however, flashed solid durability, having never been stopped in his career. Earlier this year, Aswell went the distance with surging prospect Luke Riley, who’s 14–0 with 10 KOs.
JooSang Yoo
- 9–1 (1–1 UFC)
- 4–1 (T)KO
- 1–0 SUB
JooSang Yoo hopes his chin can hold up after suffering his first professional loss by knockout. The South Korean contender’s exciting style and unwavering confidence led to his downfall in his last bout against Daniel Santos, showboating early before getting humbled with a second-round stoppage defeat.
“Zombie Jr.,” 32, may display a more reserved approach on Saturday night, especially given his own limited finishing upside. Even after recording a Performance of the Night KO in his UFC debut against Jeka Saragih, Yoo’s career finish rate sits at a middling 55 percent.
Michael Aswell vs. JooSang Yoo Pick, Best Bet
JooSang Yoo enters Saturday night with the on-paper edge over Michael Aswell, who has failed to impress inside the Octagon. However, his status as a heavy favorite shifts the betting value elsewhere. And it’s particularly difficult to forecast this fight ending inside the distance.
While Yoo is coming off a knockout loss, his opponent’s hands don’t seem heavy enough to induce the same effect. But what Aswell lacks in fight-ending power, he makes up for with fight-preserving durability. Yoo likely gets his hand raised, but not without the help of the judges at UFC 331.
