LAS VEGAS – Steven Asplund introduced himself to the UFC audience with a record-breaking performance, but he knows there’s a lot of work to be done.
On the prelims of UFC on ESPN 73, Asplund (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) stopped Sean Sharaf in the second round after putting on a relentless pace with high striking volume – something rarely seen in the heavyweight division.
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“I’m grateful everybody’s saying that was an impressive performance, I felt like I got hit more than I should’ve, if I’m being honest,” Asplund told reporters during a post-fight news conference.
Asplund seemed torn on his debut. On one hand, he did take his share of damage from Sharaf (4-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC), but on the other, he set a three-round heavyweight significant striking record (170) in a fight that didn’t make it out of the second round. That total was high enough to land in second-place for a five-round heavyweight fight too, behind Daniel Cormier in a rematch vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 241.
“If Sean would have stuck in there a little longer, I would have beat DC’s sh*t, too,” Asplund said laughing. “I’m happy with the performance, 100 percent. I felt like I could have got it done one if the stars aligned perfectly. That being said, I just got here. I’m four years into my journey, I’m only growing. This is just the start of Steven ‘Concrete.'”
Asplund is a welcome addition to the UFC’s heavyweight division, not only because of what he can do inside the cage, but his personality stands out among the rest as well. Not only is he is always willing to discuss his transition from weighing over 500 pounds to becoming a fighter at the highest level, but his quick-witted responses on the mic complete a relatable, entertaining character.
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Looking ahead, Asplund is willing to absorb any advice available to him to further his growth.
“I want to see the best version of myself,” Asplund said. “I want to reach every set of potential I possibly can. I’m just getting here, and I haven’t even reached the precipice of who I’m supposed to be, so we’re just gonna keep growing and trying to figure out what the next step is. Hopefully, the UFC wants me active.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Steven Asplund focusing on growth after record-breaking UFC debut
