Shane Burgos claimed the biggest win of his career, with a close decision win over top-10 featherweight Cub Swanson at UFC Ottawa.
Shane Burgos is a Tiger Schulmann’s MMA product, earning a black belt at the gym. He won the first seven fights of his career, four by submission and three by knockout, to earn a UFC contract. The New Yorker won his first three fights in the Octagon, with a TKO against Charles Rosa that earned Fight of the Night. He was then on the wrong side of a Fight of the Night when he was knocked out by Calvin Kattar. Burgos bounced back in his most recent appearance with a first-round submission against Kurt Holobaugh.
Cub Swanson was a well-known name in the WEC, going 5-3 with three submissions before the promotion was absorbed by the UFC. After losing in his promotional debut to Ricardo Lamas, the Californian rattled off six straight wins including victories over Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Jeremy Stephens. Losses to top featherweights Frankie Edgar and Max Holloway stopped his run, but Swanson followed the losses with a four-fight win streak. After two grueling Fight of the Night victories against Doo Ho Choi and Artem Lobov, “Killer Cub” has fallen to Brian Ortega, Edgar once again, and Renato Moicano.
Round one was very close, and interesting. Cub came out and immediately tried to do some kicks to the body and legs, mostly to try and slow the movement of the bigger Burgos. However he did struggle with the size of Shane. Burgos is one of featherweight’s bigger fighters. However Cub did some good work as well. He appeared to be the faster of the two. Very close, and interesting, first round.
Round two appeared to be Burgos changing the story of the fight. While Swanson still landed shots, it appeared that Burgos was landing the harder punches as well as pushing the pressure more. Swanson attempted to get creative in the second round, especially early. However it wasn’t as effective. Burgos appeared to be landing the better shots, as well as moving forward more. However, it was still a close round.
Round three, much like rounds one and two, was close. The first half of the round was spent with Swanson in the clinch, and attempting to get the takedown. Even doing so at one point. However, after Burgos escaped the clinch, he spent the rest of the time in the round just putting it on Swanson. Throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the Californian. The fight ended with a flurry by Burgos, that could’ve won him the fight.
Shane Burgos def. Cub Swanson by split-decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
