Michael Aswell had plenty on the line at UFC 331
Michael Aswell Jr. ended his two-fight losing streak at UFC 331, but the featherweight admitted he still felt plenty of pressure despite recently signing a new UFC contract.
Aswell defeated JooSang Yoo by split decision on Saturday night, earning his first UFC victory since October 2025. The win stopped a difficult run that had included consecutive decision losses to Luke Riley and Gaston Bolaños.
Speaking to MMA Junkie after the fight, Aswell explained why he felt he could not afford another loss and why getting his hand raised meant so much to him.
Michael Aswell Still Felt the Pressure After Signing a New UFC Contract
Aswell said he believed another defeat could have left him in a difficult position, pointing to fighters he had seen with winning records who were released from the promotion. He admitted that the possibility of losing three straight made the matchup particularly important.
“I knew, coming off two losses, I really had to get this one,” Aswell said. “I knew, I signed a new contract, but in the UFC you’re never safe.”
The pressure remained after the final horn. Aswell said he was surprised to hear the judges announce a split decision and admitted he was “a little scared” before his name was called. He believed he had taken the first two rounds, although he acknowledged Yoo’s late takedown could have secured the third.
Michael Aswell Sees Bigger responsibility for Himself at 4oz Fight Club
Aswell's UFC 331 experience also gave him the chance to share a fight week with Joshua Van, his "4oz" teammate and the reigning UFC Flyweight Champion. According to Aswell, the pair had talked about competing on the same card for two or three years.
Training alongside Van has also helped Aswell prepare for difficult opponents. He said sparring with Van, who puts heavy pressure on him and attacks the body, has helped him learn how to fight backward and respond when an opponent takes control.
Aswell now sees himself and Van as leaders for the next generation coming through Four Oceans.
“We’re just trying to set the precedent,” Aswell said. He believes their job is to show younger fighters that hard work and self-belief can lead to opportunities in the UFC.
After getting the win he felt he needed, Aswell can now look ahead without the three-fight losing streak hanging over him.
