Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo, UFC Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins on the Amalie Enviornment, 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 begin the struggle. Swanson’s motion appeared an excessive amount of for Quarantillo—too quick and awkward angles. “Killer” Cub was touchdown straight proper fingers like jabs. Swanson was combating 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 had been in a cellphone sales space. In tight, each fighters landed punishing strikes. Slowly, midway via the second spherical, Quarantillo started taking on the struggle, as Swanson began to fade barely. Quarantillo’s tempo is just like that of Colby Covington: quantity and wrestling. Quarantillo was in a position to get Swanson down on just a few takedown makes an attempt.
All of it got here crashing down within the third spherical. Swanson had a really sturdy first spherical, and Quarantillo, a powerful second. Midway via the spherical, Swanson landed a concussive proper hand, knocking Quarantillo out chilly.
41-year-old Swanson took the mic after the struggle to say thanks to the group for letting him entertain them. Swanson did trace at retirement saying he instructed his spouse this one could be it, however then added “we’ll see.”
Official End result: Cub Swanson defeats Billy Quarantillo by way of KO (Spherical 3, 1:36)
