Cub Swanson earned his first win in over two years at UFC Fight Night 161, going the distance with Kron Gracie in Saturday's co-main event. Three hard-fought rounds ended with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27 for the longtime featherweight contender.
Facing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist Kron Gracie, Cub Swanson wanted no part of grappling with his opponent. Swanson was quick on his feet and got into an offensive rhythm early on with an assortment of punches and kicks that constantly changed level. Even after absorbing some pretty crushing body shots, Gracie continued pushing forward in an attempt to get the fight to the mat.
Swanson continued to keep the fight standing in the second, though he was clearly starting to tire. A bit slower, Gracie was able to land a few of his own punches and even pulled guard midway through the second. The elusive Swanson managed to break free and kept the fight standing.
Into the third round, it turned into a bit of a sloppy brawl with both fighters fatigued and throwing whatever was left in the tank at each other. The fight did go to the ground in the closing minute, but stayed there only briefly with no real threat of submission.
Swanson, who hadn't won a fight since April 2017, was emotional after his victory. The 35-year-old featherweight is now 26-11.