Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo, UFC Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins on the Amalie Area, Dec. 13, 2024 Credit score: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press
The co-main occasion of UFC Tampa discovered featherweight Corridor of Famer and 20-year veteran Cub Swanson taking up the favored Billy Quarantillo.
The 2 veterans exchanged leg kicks to start out the combat. Swanson’s motion appeared an excessive amount of for Quarantillo—too quick and awkward angles. “Killer” Cub was touchdown straight proper arms like jabs. Swanson was preventing like he was sparring, dodging strikes, touchdown at will, and smiling away. Quarantillo started touchdown late within the spherical, briefly dazing the California native.
The pair fought as in the event that they have been in a telephone sales space. In tight, each fighters landed punishing strikes. Slowly, midway by means of the second spherical, Quarantillo started taking on the combat, as Swanson began to fade barely. Quarantillo’s tempo is much like that of Colby Covington: quantity and wrestling. Quarantillo was capable of get Swanson down on a number of takedown makes an attempt.
All of it got here crashing down within the third spherical. Swanson had a really robust first spherical, and Quarantillo, a robust second. Midway by means of the spherical, Swanson landed a concussive proper hand, knocking Quarantillo out chilly.
41-year-old Swanson took the mic after the combat to say thanks to the gang for letting him entertain them. Swanson did trace at retirement saying he advised his spouse this one is likely to be it, however then added “we’ll see.”
Official Outcome: Cub Swanson defeats Billy Quarantillo through KO (Spherical 3, 1:36)
