With the final UFC event of 2024 in the books, four final stars have picked up $50,000 post-fight bonuses at UFC Tampa.
The event at the Amalie Arena on Saturday produced plenty of explosive finishes, with several fighters turning back the clock. Among them, co-main event featherweight “Killer” Cub Swanson, who landed a punishing 1-2 combo on the considerably younger Billy Quarantillo. At age 41, Swanson proved he still has a few tricks up his sleeve and gas in the tank. It may still be the final time fans see Swanson compete, however: the former WEC star admitted after the bout that he had told his wife it “might” be his last one.
Swanson was non-committal backstage, and did not leave his gloves in the octagon. If it does turn out to be his last hurrah, he certainly went out on a high note.
For the win, and thrilling contest before the finish, Swanson along with Quarantillo earned Fight of the Night honors.
At 38, Michael Johnson is no spring chicken either. Like Swanson, however, he defied father time on Saturday, landing a blistering knockout on Ottman Azaitar to claim a Performance of the Night bonus.
The other Performance of the Night at UFC Tampa was awarded to Dustin Jacoby, who snapped a two-fight skid by starching fearsome light heavyweight Vitor Petrino.
