Swanson and Billy Quarantillo competed in a high-octane featherweight bout on Saturday night at UFC Tampa. The duel lived up to the hype as Swanson and Quarantillo delivered one of the best fights of the year.

While Quarantillo had many highlight moments against Swanson, it was the 41-year-old who had the last laugh.

With time running out in the potentially decisive third round, Swanson ended the show with a one-punch knockout of Quarantillo that sent Amalie Arena into a frenzy. His walk-off finish reminded fans of the once-emerging Swanson, who defeated top names like Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier.

It was Swanson’s first stoppage win since he knocked out Darren Elkins with a spinning wheel kick in December 2021.

41-year-old Cub Swanson turns back the clock at UFC Tampa

After one of the biggest wins of his career, Swanson appeared non-committal about his retirement, but suggested he was slightly inclined to hang up the gloves after making a pre-fight promise to his wife. Swanson entered the UFC Hall of Fame “Fight Wing” for his instant classic against Doo Ho Choi at UFC 206.

Swanson is a potential future addition to the UFC Hall of Fame as an individual member due to his numerous accolades throughout his career. The win over Quarantillo moved Swanson to a professional record of 30-14.

Ahead of UFC Tampa, Swanson hinted that the Quarantillo fight could potentially be his final appearance in the Octagon. After a fairytale ending at UFC Tampa, he was able to choose to walk into the sunset and focus on the next phase of his life.

Cub Swanson is undecided about the future of the UFC after the storybook ending

After Zuffa purchased WEC, Swanson made his UFC debut in November 2011, losing in the second round to Ricardo Lamas. Despite the hiccups in his first UFC appearance, Swanson was riding a six-fight winning streak and was on the verge of a potential featherweight title shot.

After wins over the likes of Jeremy Stephens and Dennis Siver, Swanson’s 2014 UFC title march ended after a stunning submission loss to Frankie Edgar. In his next fight he lost to Max Holloway before going on another winning streak.

Coming into UFC Tampa, Swanson suffered a split decision loss to Andre Fili at UFC 303, a fight that earned Fight of the Night honors. His last win came against Hakeem Dawodu last year.

If Swanson decides to make UFC Tampa his farewell fight, it will be a perfect end to the UFC fan favorite’s career. Time will tell if he keeps his pre-fight promises and emerges triumphant.

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