After Cub Swanson’s thrilling win over Billy Quarantillo at UFC Tampa in December 2024, he was glad to call it a profession. But after conversations with neutral minds in the sport, it helped push him to make that stroll one last time.
Swanson faces Nate Landwehr in his retirement battle this Saturday in the major card opener of UFC 327. Following his knockout win over Quarantillo, Swanson sat up at the post-fight press convention and wasn’t sure what his next transfer would be.
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But after his spouse was instructed by UFC brass that they needed him back — along with steering from two of the best coaches in MMA historical past — Swanson finally took that step ahead.
“Yeah, I mean, it was kind of the fairy tale ending,” Swanson instructed MMA Fighting.“That’s what really made me like, ‘Man, I’m really happy with this. I’m really content.‘ But I definitely, when I’m thinking about it going, ‘Man, if I could do it one more time, it’d be even more badass.‘
“And then, funny enough, I asked Ray Longo and and Duke Roufus — rest in peace — two opposing coaches that I respect and I said, ‘Hey, what do you think?’ And they both told me, ‘Cub, you look great. Why stop? You beat half of this roster, no problem.’ And so, taking their advice, I really thought about it, and becauseI think a lot about a lot of things in life when I’m making these decisions. I take it very seriously. So I was in the gym and I’ve been performing well and I trained with really good guys, so I know I still have it and then all of those things lined up, so it was the perfect time.”
Roufus, the head man behind Roufusport, handed away at the age of 55 this previous October. Roufus’ death despatched shockwaves all through the MMA neighborhood, but it also served as a bit of of a signal that, perhaps, he should honor the advice of a man he really respects.
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“I’ve always said that I take a lot of pride in when other fighters or other coaches give me praise,” Swanson said. “That means a lot to me because fans are going to tell you whatever they want, and they’re excited to meet you. They’ll say, ‘I’m your biggest fan.‘ I’ve met, thousands of those. It’s the coaches [that] will keep it real, they’re fighters, and I respect that and appreciate that. When I get good advice from them, I take it seriously.
“So when he passed, it really did ring a bell with me that he had said that to me and it meant a lot. And I know that he was a great coach and mentor, and that’s what I’m trying to mature to be, and knowing that he mentored the Pettis brothers and how well they’ve done, he led by example. I hope we do the same thing [at my gym in the future].”
Swanson has been with the UFC since November 2011, and also competed for WEC for 4 years prior to the merger with UFC — competing for the company for practically twenty years. Along the manner, Swanson has picked up 9 post-fight bonuses for his work inside the octagon.
When Landwehr’s title came across his desk, Swanson knew everything was aligned for him to say yes, as “The Train” seems to be the good ultimate dance associate.
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“He’s a gamer, and I don’t think he’s getting enough credit right now,” Swanson said. “Obviously I got the attention and I feel like I deserve it, but he’s scrapped so many times to be able to be in this position. I respect him. I know he’s going to bring it. I know it’s a dangerous fight, but it just wouldn’t be right if I didn’t have a game opponent trying to tear my head off on the other side.
“So I’m excited about the matchup. I know that we’re a little bit more similar in age now. So, once again, just like Billy, I want to welcome him to the senior division.”
Unlike most MMA retirements, Swanson says he’ll be sticking to his phrase that Saturday will be the ultimate time he walks to the cage for a blended martial arts bout as he’ll stay targeted on his teaching and management duties to get the next technology of fighters prepared.
Swanson plans to do what he always does: depart it all in the cage, one ultimate time.
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“100 percent [the plan is to] get the win, but that pressure you put on yourself weighs heavy,” Swanson said. “Working with sports psychologists in the past, I’ve learned to just focus on the performance and knowing what brings out the best me and if the best me comes out, the victory is already there.
“But I’m just going to focus on the performance and enjoying the moment, being there, being present in the moment, and then just giving the fans one last show and then I’ll be satisfied.”
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