Cub Swanson delivered a dramatic third-round knockout in the co-main event of UFC Tampa, sparking speculation about his retirement, though he remains undecided and is more inclined towards coaching while considering potential future fights.
Cub Swanson crafted a fitting finale to his remarkable career on Saturday. Yet, he remains uncertain if this chapter is truly closing.
In the co-main event of UFC Tampa, Swanson battled fiercely against Billy Quarantillo. He ended their featherweight clash with a stunning third-round knockout. During his post-fight interview, he hinted at retirement but left the door open for future fights.
At the press conference later, Swanson maintained this ambiguity. “I’m always going to be tempted,” he admitted. “We’ll see how I heal up.”
Swanson juggles many roles—father to three kids, mentor to fighters at Team Bloodline. Coaching excites him now more than fighting. “I love this sport,” he said, “but coaching means no lumps and bruises.”
A storybook ending? Maybe. But it needs to be thrilling enough to reignite his passion.
Swanson has much to ponder regarding retirement. With 44 pro fights, a 30-14 record, and eight UFC Fight of the Night bonuses, he’s still got it—even after turning 41 last month.
This isn’t his first brush with retirement thoughts. In 2011, after fracturing his face, family urged him to quit. Yet, he felt unfinished business kept him going.
Reflecting on his career’s highlight, Swanson chose his UFC 206 win over Doo Ho Choi. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2022, this bout holds special meaning for him.
“The Doo Ho Choi fight is hard to top,” Swanson remarked. It was Fight of the Year; it got him into the Hall of Fame; he learned he’d become a father that night. Hard to beat that!
Open to a rematch with Choi? Absolutely! Especially after Choi’s recent victory at UFC 310.
For now, Swanson revels in his latest triumph. Stepping into the cage, he tried not to dwell on its potential finality.
“I didn’t want pressure,” Swanson explained. “I aimed for fast and loose—a beautiful performance I’d be proud of if it were my last.”