Challenges in the Life of Cub Swanson in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Cub Swanson. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Cub Swanson is an American professional mixed martial artist, primarily known for competing in the UFC's Featherweight division. Debuting professionally in 2004, he holds the record for the most post-fight bonus awards in UFC Featherweight history, with eleven. Across his UFC and WEC career, Swanson has earned a total of fifteen post-fight honors, marking him as a prominent and exciting fighter within the organizations.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 25, 2004: First professional MMA fight

On July 25, 2004, Cub Swanson had his first professional MMA fight at Total Combat in Mexico against Shannon Gugerty. Swanson lost via Rear-Naked Choke in just 30 seconds.

April 5, 2009: Fight Cancellation at WEC 40

On April 5, 2009, Cub Swanson was scheduled to fight Diego Nunes at WEC 40, but Nunes withdrew due to a hand injury.

August 18, 2010: Loss to Chad Mendes at WEC 50

On August 18, 2010, at WEC 50, Cub Swanson faced Chad Mendes and lost via unanimous decision.

March 3, 2011: Pulled from UFC Live fight due to injury

On March 3, 2011, Cub Swanson was expected to face Erik Koch at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann, but he had to pull out due to an injury.

February 16, 2013: Fight against Dennis Siver cancelled

On February 16, 2013, Cub Swanson was scheduled to face Dennis Siver at UFC on Fuel TV: Barão vs. McDonald, but Siver pulled out of the bout, and Dustin Poirier took his place. Swanson won by unanimous decision.

April 18, 2015: Loss to Max Holloway at UFC on Fox 15

On April 18, 2015, Cub Swanson fought Max Holloway at UFC on Fox 15 and lost via guillotine choke in the third round, suffering a broken jaw and a broken right hand.

April 22, 2017: Victory over Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Night 108

On April 22, 2017, Cub Swanson defeated Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Night 108 via unanimous decision, breaking the record for most significant strikes landed in a UFC Featherweight bout and earning Fight of the Night honors. Swanson also broke his hand for the 10th time in his career.

December 9, 2017: Loss to Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 123

On December 9, 2017, Cub Swanson lost to Brian Ortega via submission at UFC Fight Night 123, but earned his third consecutive Fight of the Night bonus award. He also re-signed with the UFC due to consistent drug testing by USADA.

April 21, 2018: Loss to Frankie Edgar at UFC Fight Night 128

On April 21, 2018, Cub Swanson faced Frankie Edgar in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 128 and lost via unanimous decision.

August 4, 2018: Loss to Renato Moicano at UFC 227

On August 4, 2018, Cub Swanson lost to Renato Moicano via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round at UFC 227.

May 4, 2019: Loss to Shane Burgos at UFC Fight Night 151

On May 4, 2019, Cub Swanson faced Shane Burgos at UFC Fight Night 151 and lost the fight by split decision.

December 12, 2019: Injury at Quintet Ultra

On December 12, 2019, Cub Swanson competed at Quintet Ultra as part of Team WEC and tore his ACL and meniscus in his left knee during his bout with Jake Shields.

May 1, 2021: Loss to Giga Chikadze

On May 1, 2021, Cub Swanson faced Giga Chikadze after Gavin Tucker was moved to another fight. Swanson lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

October 15, 2022: Bantamweight Debut

On October 15, 2022, Cub Swanson faced Jonathan Martinez in his bantamweight debut at UFC Fight Night 212. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.

June 29, 2024: Fight of the Night award against Andre Fili

On June 29, 2024, Cub Swanson faced Andre Fili at UFC 303. Although 13 out of 15 media outlets scored the bout for Swanson who lost by split decision, the fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.