Michael Aswell promised that his short-notice debut wasn’t the real him. On Saturday, the 25-year-old delivered the proof. Steamrolling Lucas Almeida for a TKO in 1:42 to secure his first UFC victory and announce himself as a problem at 145.
How it happened
From the opening horn, Aswell (11-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) pressed behind fast combinations and forward pressure, never letting Almeida (15-5, 2-4 UFC) settle. With Almeida reportedly dealing with a hand issue. Aswell’s pace and accuracy forced defensive reactions, culminating in a barrage against the fence that prompted the stoppage just 102 seconds in.
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Key sequence: A crisp right hand into a left hook backed Almeida up, Aswell swarmed with straight shots and short hooks until the referee intervened.
From short notice to statement win
Aswell’s UFC debut came on three days’ notice against Bolaji Oki. A decision loss he chalked up to circumstance rather than ceiling. With a full camp this time, the speed, shot selection, and composure he advertised were on display plus the finishing instinct.
“This is who I am when I get a camp,” Aswell said in the cage. “I’m ready to go again.”
What’s next: a December sprint?
Aswell called for a rapid turnaround on the UFC 323 card in Las Vegas in early December. Saying he wants to compete ahead of teammate Joshua Van, whom he claimed will fight for the flyweight title that night. (The UFC has not announced Van’s bout.) A quick re-booking would capitalize on Aswell’s momentum and keep him active as the year closes.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
