After Cub Swanson’s thrilling win over Billy Quarantillo at UFC Tampa in December 2024, he was happy to call it a career. But after conversations with impartial minds in the sport, it helped push him to make that walk one last time.
Swanson faces Nate Landwehr in his retirement fight this Saturday in the main card opener of UFC 327. Following his knockout win over Quarantillo, Swanson sat up at the post-fight press conference and wasn’t sure what his next move would be.
But after his wife was told
by UFC brass that they wanted him back — along with guidance from two of the best coaches in MMA history — Swanson ultimately took that step forward.
“Yeah, I mean, it was kind of the fairy tale ending,” Swanson told 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, passed away at the age of 55 this past October. Roufus’ death sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community, but it also served as a bit of of a sign that, perhaps, he should honor the advice of a man he truly respects.
“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 four years prior to the merger with UFC — competing for the company for nearly two decades. Along the way, Swanson has picked up nine post-fight bonuses for his work inside the octagon.
When Landwehr’s name came across his desk, Swanson knew everything was aligned for him to say yes, as “The Train” seems to be the perfect final dance partner.
“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 word that Saturday will be the final time he walks to the cage for a mixed martial arts bout as he’ll remain focused on his coaching and management duties to get the next generation of fighters ready.
Swanson plans to do what he always does: leave it all in the cage, one final time.
“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.”
