Luke Riley said he and partner Shem Rock are looking for “replay and redemption” at UFC London on Saturday.
Riley (12-0) makes up one half of the co-main event against Michael Aswell Jr. (11-3) after a knockout victory in his debut in Qatar last year, the same card Rock (12-2-1) debuted on, falling to a decision loss.
The Next Generation MMA teammates are part of what they have dubbed a “Scouse takeover” of The O2 alongside Kurtis Campbell (8-0), who opens the main card against Danny Silva.
Both fighters made weight comfortably in London on Friday and are now looking for a big night in front of the huge traveling support in the capital.
“Like I’ve been saying all week, look, he’s a fighter. [Aswell]”He’s brave, he’s tough,” Riley told TNT Sports. “But I’m going to be faster to reach the mark, faster and speed kills.” I’ve gained muscle, I feel good… [It’s] Time to go tomorrow, the hard parts are done, we’re ready. It’s over tomorrow. Repetition and redemption [for Rock]”.
Rock is looking to bounce back from that debut loss and has big ambitions for what could come in his UFC career after Saturday’s fight against Abdul Al-Selwady (15-4).
“For this one, I feel in much better shape,” Rock said. “[We’re going to to] Show people what we’re made of and then move on to Las Vegas cards and do what Paddy Pimblett is doing.
“I’m better than him [Al-Selwady] Everywhere, he’s short, I outreach him, I’m faster than him, I’m stronger than him and if he wants to fight, then good luck.”
The main event was also secured on Friday with Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) making the featherweight limit of 145 pounds and Movsar Evloev (19-0) at 146 pounds.
The undefeated pair will launch to end Saturday night with a featherweight title shot on the line, with Murphy already believing he is “at championship level.”
“Another good cut, working with the UFC Performance Institute makes it a lot easier, another super cut,” Murphy said after stepping on the scale.
“This is what I live for, what I do, for the big nights, for what I work in the gym.
“I’m not worried about what I’m going to do, I’m going to implement my game plan as soon as possible. I beat Movsar and I know I’m at championship level, this is just another test… We’re ready to go.”
