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Cub Swanson and Kron Gracie faced each other in a Featherweight clash tonight (Sat., Oct. 12, 2019) at UFC Fight Night 161, which took place inside Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., streaming online via ESPN+. Against a dangerous foe, Swanson executed his game plan masterfully.
Swanson struck first with a quick jab after some stance switches. When Gracie pressed, Swanson landed a couple counter right hands. Gracie scored with a jab and left hand. Swanson attacked the body and leg. Hard jab landed for “Killer Cub.” Swanson did well sticking and moving early, landed a big body kick. Gracie jabbed at his foe and chased, but he couldn’t get a grip on Swanson. Uppercut scored for Swanson. Swanson’s right hook kept connecting to the mid-section. Gracie landed his first decent combination of the night in response. Swanson landed a hard overhand and another body shot. Swanson’s head movement proved very effective as well, making Gracie miss repeatedly before Swanson returned to the center of the Octagon.
Gracie opened the second with a left hand. Swanson dug into the body and leg further. Gracie landed a couple front kicks to the mid-section. Stiff jab landed for Swanson. Four punches landed for Gracie, and he was briefly able to grab a clinch. Gracie attempted a guard pull to no real result. Gracie absorbed a lot of damage but kept moving forward. Punches began to connect more for Gracie, who attempted another guard pull and sweep. Hard uppercut landed for Swanson, as well as some follow up jabs. A couple right hands scored for Gracie in the clinch. Gracie kept pushing forward and throwing, even while eating hard shots. Both men were bloodied by the end of the round.
Gracie scored an early combo. Swanson answered with a hard hook. Gracie jabbed and found the clinch, but Swanson punched the ribs and pulled away. Swanson’s kept throwing in combination and kept landing. Another unsuccessful guard pull attempt for Gracie. Gracie landed a few good shots in the clinch. Double jab-cross landed for Gracie. Swanson landed a long series of jabs and denied a takedown attempt. Gracie pulled guard again and scored an upkick before Swanson escaped. Swanson scored a pair of body shots to deny the clinch. Gracie landed a hard left hand. Gracie took his first real shot of the fight, which failed, but successfully landed Gracie on his back in guard. Swanson returned to his feet, and the two returned to smashing each other in the clinch. Swanson finished the bout with a nice flurry, ripping the body just before the bell.
Cub Swanson entered this bout with the correct game plan, a lot of lateral movement while targeting the body and legs. When Gracie showed inhuman toughness and forced more of a dogfight, Swanson still stayed composed and landed some heavy shots without giving up a takedown. It was great work from the veteran, while Gracie managed to show off his talent in defeat.
Result: Cub Swanson defeats Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
For complete UFC Fight Night 161: “Joanna vs. Waterson” results and play-by-play, click HERE!