WEC and UFC featherweight and Hall of Famer Cub Swanson stepped into the cage for the final time at UFC 327, with the final active WEC athlete taking on Nate Landwehr in his retirement fight.
Swanson’s career wraps after a run that started in 2004 and saw him become a fan favorite. His UFC 206 classic in 2016, against Doo-Ho Choi, was a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.
While Landwehr would check one, Swanson did land a second, then a third outside leg kick early on. Landwehr would eventually land one of his own, but not before Swanson connected with a jab. Moments later, it was a right hand connecting for “Killer” Cub. A right hand to the body and blows up top saw a very relaxed Swanson opening up early. Moments later, Landwher was rocked, dropping to one leg. Then, another knocked. Landwehr got up, only to be dropped again! Again Landwehr stood up, and ate a nasty body shot.
Landwehr, tough as nails, stayed in there, firing a few ow kicks of his own. Then another right hand, Landwehr went down again, and that was it! Ref Herb Dean had seen enough, and Landwehr was seen wrestling the ref, clearly out of it, as the fight wrapped.
After the win, Swanson stripped off his gloves, cementing his retirement. Flat-out, an incredible way to finish her career, tearing through a fighter five years younger with way less mileage.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, I’m terrified every time I come out here but I try and be brave and just focus, and I’m so proud I was able to accomplish that tonight,” Swanson said after the bout as a career highlight reel played.
Official Result: Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr by TKO, Round 1, 4:06
