“The performance: I give it a 5 out of 10, if that.”
That’s how prospect Luke Riley rated his unanimous decision win over Michael Aswell in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 270. Despite improving his undefeated record to 13-0 and co-main eventing in his home country in just his second UFC fight, Riley (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) doesn’t feel fully satisfied with his win.
Advertisement
“I’ve said it a few times: I’m a perfectionist, and I know what my ceiling is,” Riley told reporters backstage at the UFC Fight Night 270 post-fight interview. “So yeah, I was probably a bit harsh on myself. I’ve got the win, I’m 26, co-main event in my second UFC fight. So yeah, the journey continues: 13-0. Let’s see what’s next.”
Riley thinks his mistake was to try to force the finish. His constant pursuit of the KO left him exposed to Aswell’s counters, allowing Aswell to hit him more than he expected.
“Probably don’t look for the knockout all the time, just take my time,” Riley said. “I’m a lot better than these guys, and sometimes I feel like I drop to their level when I’m in the cage. I don’t know. I need to look. I need to watch it back.”
As far as what’s next, Riley is not looking to stay out of competition too long. He’s young and healthy, and he’d like to fight fairly soon.
Advertisement
“I love that. Put a target on my back,” Riley said. “Like I said, whoever the company wants to put me next or whoever wants to fight me, happily. Back in the gym, work on the things that need to be fixed and be out there. I’m fresh, a few sore bits on my body, that’s it. I didn’t take no big shots. So yeah, I’ll be back in the gym as soon as the body is healed.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Luke Riley not happy with UFC London win: ‘I’m a perfectionist’
