This is the UFC 327 live blog for Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr, the main card featherweight bout Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami.
Swanson (30-14) makes his final walk to the octagon as he previously announced this will be his retirement bout after a 22-year pro MMA career. A star in the still-revered WEC, “Killer Cub” proved to be no less popular when he made the jump to the UFC, where he compiled a 15-10 record, with wins over the likes of Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Jeremy Stephens, and Doo Ho Choi. The 42-year-old is an eight-time Fight of the Night winner and hopes to add one more to the collection when he takes on Landwehr, a veteran also known for exciting brawls.
Don’t expect Landwehr (18-7) to just rollover for the departing Swanson. In 10 UFC appearances, Landwehr has proven he can play the hammer just as well as the nail and if the moment and if he sees an opportunity to spoil Swanson’s going-away party, he’ll jump on it with his trademark Tennessee aggression.
Check out the UFC 327 live blog for Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr below.
It’s time for Cub’s swan song.
This one is close, but even on his way out, Swanson is slightly favored at -130 on FanDuel. Landwehr currently +108.
Referee Herb Dean is the third man for the main card opener.
Swanson looking bouncy as ever at 42. He’s throwing out jabs and low kicks, inviting Landwehr to come to him. Landwehr backing up against the fence, Swanson finding openings to land. Not much in response from Landwehr as Swanson pushes the pace. Maybe he shouldn’t retire! Kidding, kidding.
“Killer Cub” throwing bombs in there. He does not look like he’s content to settle for a decision tonight. A Swanson punch has Landwehr rocked and Swanson follows up, Landwehr stumbling around. Somehow, he recovers. Plenty of time for Cub to find a finish here.
More punches from Cub and a right hand has Landwehr on wobbly legs. Dean steps in to call it off. Emotional finish.
And there go the gloves. No going back now, this is really the end for the legendary Cub Swanson.
Joe Rogan nearly in tears as he introduces Swanson for his final post-fight interview.
Swanson: “I’ve been doing this a long time, I’m terrified every time I come out here, but try to be brave and just focus and I’m so proud that I was able to accomplish that tonight.”