

Cub Swanson delivered a memorable performance at UFC Tampa, showcasing his veteran skills against Billy Quarantillo in a thrilling featherweight bout. The fight was a striking masterclass, with Swanson utilizing his experience to outmaneuver his opponent, earning him a knockout victory in the third round.
Swanson frequently credits his family as his biggest motivation. He has openly shared that his wife and children are the driving force behind his relentless efforts to succeed in MMA, often dedicating his victories to them. His wife has now shared an emotional message for him after his impressive victory.
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Cub Swanson finds support from wife after his UFC Tampa victory
In June 2018, Cub Swanson tied the knot with UFC correspondent Kenda Rae Perez, making their relationship official in a beautiful celebration shared with fans on social media. Swanson proudly posted photos from the wedding, marking the beginning of their journey as husband and wife. Kenda, who grew up in Old Towne Orange County and attended Orangewood Adventist Academy, now resides in Newport Beach with Swanson and their family. She shares her husband’s passion for martial arts and holds a black belt in Shito-Ryu karate, a discipline she pursued as MMA gained popularity.
In a past interview with Bleacher Report, Kenda was asked if she’d ever date an MMA fighter. At the time, she surprised fans with her candid reply, “Since I work for the UFC, I like to stick to the saying, ‘don’t mix business with pleasure.’ I can’t predict the future, but as of now, I haven’t.” Years later, however, fate had other plans. She fell in love with Swanson, and the two eventually married. Sharing her joy on Instagram, Kenda wrote that she had married her best friend.
Following Swanson’s remarkable victory at UFC Tampa, Kenda expressed her admiration with a heartfelt message on X. She wrote, “I am beyond grateful and proud of this man right here! Grateful for all you do every day for your family and the people you care about. Proud of your sacrifices, grit, and work ethic. I love you beyond words and am so blessed to be a part of your MMA legacy. #UFCTampa.” Swanson acknowledged her unwavering support with a simple yet affectionate reply, “babe.”
Babe ❤️ https://t.co/D8uQsMFxup
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) December 15, 2024
The victory seemed to be a moment of relief and pride for Swanson, who hinted at a potential retirement during his post-fight interview. If this is indeed the final chapter of his storied MMA career, his legacy will undoubtedly be marked not just by his accomplishments in the Octagon, but also by the love and strength he’s found in his family.
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What’s your perspective on:
Should Cub Swanson retire on a high note, or does he have one more fight in him?
Have an interesting take?
The UFC wrapped up 2024 in style with UFC Tampa last night, marking a successful event on multiple fronts. It turned out to be the highest-grossing North American Fight Night card in the three-decade history of Dana White’s promotion. But how much did Cub Swanson earn in Compliance pay after his impressive performance? Let us find out about it below.
A closer look at the earnings made by Swanson under the compliance pay
Compliance Pay in the UFC is determined by a fighter’s tenure in the organization, with payouts structured across six tiers for non-title bouts. Fighters with three or fewer UFC appearances earn $4,000, while those with extensive experience—21 or more fights—receive the highest tier of $21,000. Title bouts operate on a separate scale, with champions earning $42,000 and title challengers taking home $32,000 in Compliance Pay.
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‘Killer Cub’, a true UFC veteran with an impressive 25 fights under his belt, earned $21,000 in Compliance Pay for what could potentially be his final Octagon appearance. Following his thrilling victory over Billy Quarantillo, Swanson reflected on his career during the post-fight press conference, sharing mixed feelings about his future. While he admitted that retiring after such a high note would be fitting, the temptation of one last fight still lingers. However, Swanson emphasized the importance of prioritizing his family and the growing team of athletes he mentors, suggesting that his focus might shift away from competition.
Swanson’s legacy in the UFC is already cemented. At 41 years old, he remains one of the few active fighters to have been inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame—a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport. The question now is: what’s next for Cub Swanson? Should he hang up his gloves and transition fully into coaching and mentoring, or does he have one final fight left in him? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Should Cub Swanson retire on a high note, or does he have one more fight in him?