Cub Swanson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Cub Swanson.

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

March 24, 2007: WEC Debut

On March 24, 2007, Cub Swanson debuted in WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting), submitting Tommy Lee by guillotine choke.

December 3, 2008: Fight of the Night honors at WEC 37

On December 3, 2008, Cub Swanson defeated Hiroyuki Takaya at WEC 37 via unanimous decision and earned Fight of the Night honors, marking his first official WEC award.

January 28, 2012: Victory over George Roop at UFC on Fox

On January 28, 2012, Cub Swanson faced George Roop at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis and won the fight via TKO in the second round.

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.

March 2013: Ranked #10 Featherweight

As of March 2013, Cub Swanson was ranked as the #10 Featherweight in the world by Sherdog and ranked #5 within the UFC.

July 6, 2013: Victory over Dennis Siver at UFC 162

On July 6, 2013, Cub Swanson fought Dennis Siver at UFC 162 and won via TKO in the third round, earning Fight of the Night honors. The fight was the first of Swanson's new five-fight contract.

April 16, 2016: Victory over Hacran Dias at UFC on Fox 19

On April 16, 2016, Cub Swanson faced Hacran Dias at UFC on Fox 19 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

December 10, 2016: Fight of the Year at UFC 206

On December 10, 2016, Cub Swanson fought Choi Doo-ho at UFC 206 and won via unanimous decision, earning Fight of the Night honors and later, Fight of the Year at the World MMA Awards.

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.

October 12, 2019: Victory over Kron Gracie at UFC on ESPN+

On October 12, 2019, Cub Swanson defeated Kron Gracie at UFC on ESPN+ 19 via unanimous decision, earning the Fight of the Night bonus award.

2019: Highly praised for takedown defence

In 2019 Cub Swanson was highly praised for his takedown defence against world class jiu-jitsu fighter Kron Gracie at UFC Fight Night: Joanna vs. Waterson.

December 12, 2020: Victory over Daniel Pineda at UFC 256

On December 12, 2020, Cub Swanson defeated Daniel Pineda at UFC 256 via knockout in the second round, marking his first finish since July 2013.

December 18, 2021: Victory over Darren Elkins at UFC Fight Night

On December 18, 2021, Cub Swanson defeated Darren Elkins at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus via TKO in the first round, earning the Performance of the Night bonus award. He also signed a new four-fight contract following the bout.

April 2022: UFC Hall of Fame induction

During the UFC 273 broadcast in April 2022, it was announced that Cub Swanson's fight against Choi Doo-ho will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame Fight Wing class of 2022.

August 12, 2023: Return to Featherweight Division

On August 12, 2023, Cub Swanson returned to the Featherweight division and faced Hakeem Dawodu at UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. dos Anjos. He won the fight by controversial unanimous decision.

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.

December 14, 2024: Fight of the Night award against Billy Quarantillo

On December 14, 2024, Cub Swanson faced Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 63 and won the fight via a one-two punch knockout in the third round, earning him another Fight of the Night award.