Cub Swanson gave his thoughts after a very controversial win over Hakeem Dawodu at UFC Vegas 78.
A card which many viewed as a potential ‘sleeper’, headlined by two welterweight stalwarts, Vicente Luque and Rafael Dos Anjos, pitting off against each other. We also saw Swanson and Dawodu face off in the co-main event, going the distance after a 15 minute war. The general consensus being a win for Dawodu – the judges disagreed. The decision baffled many across the MMA community, with only 2 out of 13 Media Members scoring the fight for ‘Killer’ Cub.
Cub Swanson on UFC Vegas 78 Win
Cub was grilled post-fight about his immediate thoughts, and rather honestly admitted that he thought he was losing the fight up until the final round (via MMAJunkie / BJPenn.com)
“I’m always hard on myself,” Swanson said. “I didn’t think I won the first round. Everyone in my corner said I did, and that it was an easy one to call. I thought that he picked up some steam in the second, but I know I hurt him at the end of the second.
Swanson elaborated afterwards, when talking about the power Dawodu possessed; “…in my mind, I was down two rounds, and I was like, ‘I need to push the pace.’ He was powerful, and it was taking a toll on me…so I was just trying to stay in his face.
Swanson continued afterwards; But I was mostly just mad about myself for not being a bit more active. It was a chess match in there…”
In continuation, Swanson said; “It was a difficult one, but I have to watch it again. It sounds like everyone (on my team) thought I at least won two rounds, so it’s cool.”
After this fight, irrespective of the controversy, Swanson is now 4-2 in his last six fights. Last night was his first win since late 2021. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next.
What do you think will happen with either of the fighters next? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images