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Vintage peformance in Tampa
Swanson defeated Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Tampa.
ANALYSIS
It's not a stretch to say this was the biggest win of Cub's 15-plus year career. A loser of four straight entering Saturday's bout and without a win in nearly two years, Swanson almost certainly would have been handed his walking papers had he lost. Instead, he swept the judge's scorecards despite entering the bout as a hefty (+155) underdog. Swanson knew he would have a significant edge over the inexperienced Gracie on the feet and he was able to keep the fight standing. Cub has always been able to withstand a ton of punishment and given the fact Gracie has limited power in his hands, this set up well for Swanson and he took full advantage. Cub isn't able to compete with the best the division has to offer anymore, but Saturday's performance was a strong one and figures to have saved his job. On top of that, he'll walk away with an extra $50,000 by way of a Fight of the Night bonus.
It's not a stretch to say this was the biggest win of Cub's 15-plus year career. A loser of four straight entering Saturday's bout and without a win in nearly two years, Swanson almost certainly would have been handed his walking papers had he lost. Instead, he swept the judge's scorecards despite entering the bout as a hefty (+155) underdog. Swanson knew he would have a significant edge over the inexperienced Gracie on the feet and he was able to keep the fight standing. Cub has always been able to withstand a ton of punishment and given the fact Gracie has limited power in his hands, this set up well for Swanson and he took full advantage. Cub isn't able to compete with the best the division has to offer anymore, but Saturday's performance was a strong one and figures to have saved his job. On top of that, he'll walk away with an extra $50,000 by way of a Fight of the Night bonus.
In line for October fight with Gracie
Swanson has agreed to take on Kron Gracie in a featherweight matchup at a UFC Fight Night event Oct. 12, Brett Okamoto of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Swanson is now in the crossroads of a career nearing a close, as he's lost four consecutive fights, albeit to highly-respected competition. The UFC will give him a newcomer this time around in Gracie, who may have the family name but has just one fight with the promotion under his belt. The key for Swanson will be to stay on his feet, as even at 35 years old, he still projects as a better striker. While Swanson owns a career 60 percent takedown defense, he has been taken down just once in his last four fights -- two of which went the distance. Should he remain upright, there's some striking upside for Swanson, who has landed 111 or more significant strikes in three of his last six fights.
Swanson is now in the crossroads of a career nearing a close, as he's lost four consecutive fights, albeit to highly-respected competition. The UFC will give him a newcomer this time around in Gracie, who may have the family name but has just one fight with the promotion under his belt. The key for Swanson will be to stay on his feet, as even at 35 years old, he still projects as a better striker. While Swanson owns a career 60 percent takedown defense, he has been taken down just once in his last four fights -- two of which went the distance. Should he remain upright, there's some striking upside for Swanson, who has landed 111 or more significant strikes in three of his last six fights.
Losing streak hits four
Swanson lost to Shane Burgos via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 28-29) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Ottawa.
ANALYSIS
Swanson showed reasonably well in a fight that was, numbers wise, as close as it gets. Knowing he was going up against a brawler, Cub made a concerted effort to hammer away at Burgos's legs and it worked. It left him vulnerable from counter shots when he was unable to connect, but he did a decent job of keeping Burgos off balance. When push comes to shove, Swanson had to win this fight and it didn't happen. He has now lost four in a row and his future is very much up in the air. While Swanson is clearly better than most of the featherweights on the roster, it's quite clear he isn't on the same level as the division's top fighters.
Swanson showed reasonably well in a fight that was, numbers wise, as close as it gets. Knowing he was going up against a brawler, Cub made a concerted effort to hammer away at Burgos's legs and it worked. It left him vulnerable from counter shots when he was unable to connect, but he did a decent job of keeping Burgos off balance. When push comes to shove, Swanson had to win this fight and it didn't happen. He has now lost four in a row and his future is very much up in the air. While Swanson is clearly better than most of the featherweights on the roster, it's quite clear he isn't on the same level as the division's top fighters.
Draws Burgos in Ottawa
Swanson will take on Shane Burgos in a featherweight matchup at UFC Ottawa on May 4.
ANALYSIS
Swanson has hit a rough patch at the age of 35, dropping three consecutive fights but losing to respectable competition in each of them. He now gets a shot at a much greener opponent, albeit one that happens to be 4-1 in the UFC. The promotion's matchmakers know exactly what they're doing here, as this has the makings of a fan-friendly fight. Swanson is the recipient of 11 post-fight bonuses in his career, while Burgos thrives on high volume, averaging 6.54 significant strikes landed per minute. Swanson will concede five inches in reach and three inches in height to the 28-year-old.
Swanson has hit a rough patch at the age of 35, dropping three consecutive fights but losing to respectable competition in each of them. He now gets a shot at a much greener opponent, albeit one that happens to be 4-1 in the UFC. The promotion's matchmakers know exactly what they're doing here, as this has the makings of a fan-friendly fight. Swanson is the recipient of 11 post-fight bonuses in his career, while Burgos thrives on high volume, averaging 6.54 significant strikes landed per minute. Swanson will concede five inches in reach and three inches in height to the 28-year-old.
Drops third in a row at UFC 227
Swanson lost to Renato Moicano via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:15 of Round 1 at UFC 227 on Saturday in Los Angeles
ANALYSIS
Swanson began the fight by successfully landing a few solid strikes, but the tide quickly turned, as Moicano got his timing and took over. He closed the distance and landed some hard shots that hurt Swanson. From there, Moicano took the fight to the ground, transitioned to the back and finished with the rear-naked choke. Swanson has now lost three in a row, but his spot is probably secure due to name value.
Swanson began the fight by successfully landing a few solid strikes, but the tide quickly turned, as Moicano got his timing and took over. He closed the distance and landed some hard shots that hurt Swanson. From there, Moicano took the fight to the ground, transitioned to the back and finished with the rear-naked choke. Swanson has now lost three in a row, but his spot is probably secure due to name value.