LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 27: Michael Aswell reacts after the conclusion of a featherweight battle in opposition to Bogdan Grad of Romania throughout Dana White’s Contender Collection season eight, week three on August 27, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photograph by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Report: 9-2Age: 24Height: 5’8″Weight: FeatherweightBirthplace: HoustonNext battle: Dec. 15 vs. Dorian Ramos (8-2) at Fury FC 99 in Houston (UFC Combat Go)
Background: A life-long athlete, Michael Aswell was launched to Saul Soliz’s fitness center for jiu-jitsu lessons in eighth grade. He began competing round Texas, then picked up wrestling in highschool. Weighing 205-210 kilos, Aswell burned off 60 kilos forward of his novice debut at featherweight at age 17. He misplaced that battle however then gained 5 extra earlier than he turned skilled. He gained his first seven professional fights earlier than a loss to present UFC fighter Yadier del Valle. Aswell gained two after that, together with a Fury FC title bout. These earned him a crack on Dana White’s Contender Collection in 2024. Whereas he didn’t win the bout or a contract, his gutsy efficiency had the UFC CEO praising Aswell and saying he was on the quick listing. One other win ought to push him by the door.
In his personal phrases: “In my head, I’ve simply been staying prepared in case a possibility fell out. That MSG card got here into fruition, the Onama battle, it was all the things that I assumed. I used to be prepared and will make weight. I might make 145 and I assumed I used to be subsequent up, however I by no means received the decision. In my head, I used to be like, ‘If I didn’t get that decision, I don’t suppose I’m going to get one other one.’ … I simply want to remain lively and keep prepared. As quickly as that occurred, I known as (Fury FC promoter) Eric Garcia and was like, ‘Yo Eric, I would like a battle. What can we received accessible?’
“… I realized in my Contender battle that I would like to remain extra lively and alter it up slightly bit, throw extra variations, add some low kicks or add extra physique punches or simply kicks basically. I feel for me simply being extra artistic on the market (will assist). It was an enormous alternative and an enormous stage and I didn’t wish to mess up. I assumed perhaps I used to be simply holding again a bit as a result of I didn’t wish to mess up. I stored it quite simple. That’s on me. I simply have gotten to be proactive and add extra energy photographs as a substitute of touches. There are a number of issues.
“… I’ve identified (I’m prepared) for some time. I’ve educated with the most effective since I used to be an novice. I had coach Saul Soliz as my coach once I began within the MMA sport. That man would inform you straight up should you had it otherwise you don’t. He informed me I had it and he stated if I stored working I used to be going to get it. As soon as he handed, I went to Kansas Metropolis and I used to be coaching with Glory for a bit earlier than all of the stuff occurred. They’d 10 UFC guys within the room and I used to be competing with them. Onama, I used to be actually coaching with Onama on daily basis. We have been coaching companions in that room for months and he preferred the best way I labored.”
