LUKE RILEY PREDICTS FIRST-ROUND FINISH AT UFC LONDON

Luke Riley is promising a first-round knockout on March 21 at UFC Fight Night: London when he faces Michael Aswell.

Riley (12-0) enters the fight riding high on the momentum of his last win, where he stopped his opponent in the second round with a brutal knockout.

Stepping into the co-main event spot in only his second appearance with the UFC, the Liverpool fighter believes the promotion has already shown faith in his ability and star power.

Less than two weeks out, he told us: “I feel like the UFC have put their neck on the line a bit for me.

“Co-main in my second fight – I don’t know if that’s ever been done.”

Riley is looking to secure his second Fight of the Night bonus with a win over Aswell (11-3), after earning the much-coveted $50,000 in his last bout, with the prize now bumped to $100,000.

He believes speed will ultimately be the deciding factor against his opponent.

He said: “I think first and foremost the main reason I’ll defeat Aswell is that he’s just too slow – and that’s literally the be-all and end-all – speed kills.

“He’s game, he’s tough, but I’m just going to be quicker at everything.”

The bout will mark Riley’s return in front of a British crowd after his last appearance took place in Doha, Qatar. Competing at home is something the undefeated prospect is eager to experience again.

Forged at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, Riley is surrounded by established and up-and-coming talent, training with the likes of Shem Rock, who will also compete in London, UFC star Paddy Pimblett and Cage Warriors standout George Staines.

Developing in that environment has levelled up his game, sharpening his confidence and skills. The knockout artist has tightened his grappling too – don’t underestimate him on the ground.

Riley still predicts a late first-round knockout in London, and when asked about his weapon of choice, he just smiles: “Any.”

He added: “Electricity, speed, flamboyance, knockout – what the fans want to see, I am.”

While some might crumble under the pressure of the spotlight so early in their career, it’s familiar territory for Riley.

He assured us: “Pressure fuels me. I’ve had pressure on me since I was a little kid – a lot of weight on my shoulders – but I don’t mind.

“I’ll show that when it comes to March 21 in London.”