UFC on Fuel TV 7’s co-main event featured featherweight contenders Dustin Poirier and Cub Swanson.
Both guys entered the bout with equal opportunity to climb the divisional ranks, but it was Swanson who cashed in, battling to a hard-fought unanimous-decision victory.
What we’ll remember about this fight
Since the UFC seems keen on importing featherweight title challengers from the lightweight division, the bout doesn’t have immediate title implications.
I guess that means we’ll just remember the fight for what it was: an entertaining match between two high-level competitors.
What we learned about Cub Swanson
He’s a slugger on the feet, but he also wields a sound ground game. The third round showcased Swanson’s strong wrestling and effective transitions.
We also learned that he’s ready for a top featherweight. Maybe not the champ but a No. 2 or No. 3 opponent, for sure.
What we learned about Dustin Poirier
He’s a good fighter, but he’s not yet fighting at or near a championship level. With a 5-2 record, Poirier has produced as a UFC fighter, but he has lost both times he’s taken a step up in competition (against Swanson and Chan Sung Jung).
He’s still only 24, so reaching that next level is within the realm of possibility, but for now he’s a notch below the division’s upper echelon. However, his competitiveness in this fight against Swanson shows that he is close.
What’s next for Swanson
Either Ricardo Lamas, Chan Sung Jung, Dennis Siver or Clay Guida.
He should only face Siver or Guida if Lamas and “The Korean Zombie” fight each other.
What’s next for Poirier
Either Hatsu Hioki or Erik Koch would work.
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