After a giant year in 2012, one of the top featherweights in the UFC, Cub Swanson is set to make his mark in 2013. At UFC 162, the pay-per-view portion of the card will kick off with a fight between the man mentioned above and Dennis Siver.
Cub Swanson went from quitting to one win away from a title shot
One might question the fact that Swanson is the first fight on the card since he’s currently riding a four-fight winning streak. He also knocked out Charles Oliveira in dramatic fashion late last year, who is being featured in the co-main event against former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. This definitely has been on Swanson’s mind but does not affect the fact that he is facing Siver.
“It’s funny to me, but it is what it is. Frankie Edgar is a big draw, so one day if I keep putting on performances like I do then I’ll be up there.”
Swanson made his transition over to the UFC when the organization bought out the now-defunct WEC back in 2011. Prior to his debut, he was riding a bit of a roller-coaster going 5-3 in the WEC. He began his career with a bang by going 11-1, but his newfound groove is definitely the most significant winning streak of his career.
“I got to a point where I almost quit and walked away from the sport. I had to ask myself if I was satisfied with what I had accomplished so far and it was a quick no. I wasn’t satisfied with my legacy or whatever you call it, so I said if I’m going to keep doing this then I need to be better. So I revamped everything.”
The featherweight division is full of talent with a ton of depth. Siver is fairly new to the division with only two fights in the Octagon but has obviously proven his worth with the victories he has picked up.
“I wouldn’t say a step back. At the time when we took the fight, he was the best available guy. A lot of the division is going to unfold here soon, so it’s a fight to basically show that I belong and where I’m at. If I do very well then that should push me up even further.”
A victory over Siver will put Swanson on a five-fight winning streak, which would be the longest active winning streak in the UFC’s featherweight division other than the champ Jose Aldo. When asked whether or not he deserves a title shot after his hand is raised at UFC 162, his answer was crystal clear.
“I believe so, I don’t think anybody else would be on a five-fight winning streak. Definitely not facing the opponents that I am or finishing fights, so I feel like I don’t need to beg for it or anything. I just know it’s going to come and I’m going to keep fighting and keep putting on fights for the fans until I get my chance.”
The 29-year old Palm Springs native has won ‘Knockout of the Night’ honours in two of his last three fights and he is predicting this fight will be no different. How will Swanson win? Let him give you what he has been visualizing.
“Knockout, first round.”
To listen to the Cub Swanson interview in its entirety, click HERE for this weeks episode of MMASucka Radio.
