Cub Swanson has a different mentality when it comes to the fight game. He knows a complex understanding of both the physical and mental realms is required, and the process of putting those elements in sync is what his run up the UFC’s featherweight ladder has been all about.
While others see trading leather inside the cage as competition or the opportunity to test their will against the durability of another, Swanson has an added element in his approach. “Killer Cub” has long been fascinated with the capabilities of the physical machine, and his personal skill set is a unique blend of power, speed and creativity. The end result of that mixture has made the 31-year-old Palm Springs, California, native one of the most explosive finishers in the featherweight ranks, and it has carried him to the elite tier of the highly competitive division.
When those talents are coupled with tenacity and resilience, the full package of what Swanson has to offer becomes clear.
While he’s found success at a high rate inside the Octagon, there have also been setbacks along the way. However, his ability to bounce back from rough turns has allowed him to establish longevity in a sport in which consistency is perhaps the most difficult task to achieve. And Swanson has it in spades. He’s the longest-tenured featherweight under the Zuffa banner, and that doesn’t happen without resolve.
After having a six-fight winning streak snapped against Frankie Edgar at Fight Night 57 back in November, the Jackson/Winkeljohn-trained fighter was eager to get things back on track. Swanson knew he had to dig in to turn things around and that nothing comes easy where personal progress is concerned.
“The ability to lean into adversity is something I’ve always had,” Swanson told Bleacher Report. “Tough times not only make you stronger, but you grow from those experiences. The same is true with fighting. You have to lean into it. When someone throws a power shot and you want to counter, you have to lean into it as you block it so that you can come right out with what you are throwing. If you roll away or lean back, it’s going to knock you off balance, and you won’t be able to counter the punch. Being able to do that comes from experience, and life is the same exact way.
“It’s how you get up that matters in life, and I’ve had to do it many times. I’ve had 27 fights as a professional, with my 28th coming up, and I’ve never lost two in a row. Any time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve come back even better. I think everyone knows that about me.”
His opportunity to do just that arose when Max Holloway stepped up to the challenge after defeating Cole Miller at Fight Night 60. “Blessed” earned a lopsided decision over the American Top Team product, and the UFC offered up a fight with the perennial featherweight contender in his post-fight interview. Holloway accepted the bout, and the two dynamic strikers are set to square off at UFC on Fox 15 on April 18 in Newark, New Jersey.
While Swanson appreciates the versatility the young Hawaiian brings to the cage, he’s confident he will have what it takes to get the job done against Holloway. The SoCal representative believes they are going to put on a show, but it will be one he walks away from victorious.
“This is one of those fights where I need to make sure I’m focused on myself and making sure I’m firing off,” Swanson said. “I have to make sure my distance is good and I’m not playing his game. Max [Holloway] is always game, and I like the way he fights. I think this could easily turn into a situation where we are both out there on our feet throwing crazy stuff, or it could be a fight where I dominate.
“I just have to make sure I’m on point that day, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to show beautiful destruction was once again. I want to go out there and put on a show for the fans and walk away with the victory.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless noted otherwise.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com