Brian Ortega shocked everyone, most of all Cub Swanson, with a slick guillotine finish in the main event of UFC Fresno on Saturday
The second of four UFC cards in December, UFC Fight Night 123 went down in Fresno, CA on Saturday at the Save Mart Center. With a host of bantamweight bouts on the card, it was a 145lb showdown that served as the main event. There, divisional mainstay Cub Swanson brought his unique brand of violence to his native California. Opposite him in the octagon at UFC Fresno was Brian Ortega, a UFC record holder for most third round finishes.
Swanson, always seemingly on the cusp of a title shot, was looking to stop yet another up-and-comer from taking his spot in the rankings. After a Fight of the Year performance against Doo-ho Choi at UFC 206, and a fantastic battle with Artem Lobov earlier this year, Swanson vs Ortega held a ton of promise.
Swanson opened the action with a leg kick, with Ortega answering it with one of his own. An oblique kicked by Cub followed; Ortega would launch a combo, with Swanson firing back. Ortega displayed some good technical boxing skills, but it was Cub Swanson who pushed forward and landed some big blows as the round progressed. Attacking with hooks, going to the body, and hacking at the leg, Swanson was finding a home for his strikes. Ortega was forced to throw volume in retreat; Swanson caught him with a left and a head kick that was partially blocked. Suddenly, however, the momentum shifted as Swanson was caught in a choke! It was tight, and Swanson looked like he might go out, but he fought it to the bell.
Swanson worked the legs to open the second, but you had to assume he was now hyper aware of Ortega’s submission skills. Cub landed a pair of right hands, then went to the body. He’d continue to work the body, then block an Ortega head kick. Swanson then fired a combo that saw a couple of strikes make it through. That was followed by a right; Ortega then decided to shoot. That set up the finish.
Along the fence, Brian Ortega got an arm around Swanson’s neck, locking in a standing guillotine. He then jumped into guard, pushing off the fence and locking his legs. Swanson stayed up, trying to throw him. Ortega actually readjusted his grip while hanging off Swanson, who was then forced to tap. What an incredible submission finish!
Brian Ortega def. Cub Swanson by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 3:22
