Veteran Cub Swanson returns at UFC 256, taking on another veteran of the sport, Daniel Pineda. An exciting featherweight contest between two veterans is bound to be a cracker.
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Swanson is a former WEC and UFC veteran, whereas Pineda has fought in many organizations like Bellator and PFL. Pineda is currently on his second run with the UFC, this being his second fight in his second stint and ninth appearance overall under the promotion.
Cub Swanson and Daniel Pineda in numbers
Swanson, a long-time veteran, has a professional record of 26-11, with 11 of those coming via TKO/KO. He has some high-profile wins in his resume against the likes of Dustin Poirier, Jeremy Stephens, Charles Oliveira, Artem Lobov, and many more.
Swanson has been a crafty striker throughout his career and primarily likes to strike. Although he is on a skid recently having lost 4 out of his last 5. 2 of those losses have come via submission. But he managed to better Kron Gracie in his last outing, winning via decision.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Cub Swanson and Daniel Pineda face off during the UFC 256 weigh-in at UFC APEX on December 11, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Pineda, another veteran of the sport, has a professional record of 27 wins and 13 losses. 18 of his wins have come via submission. He started his second stint with the UFC at UFC 252. He defeated Herbert Burns via TKO. But his primary strength lies in the submission department.
He has proven his expertise in that area over the course of his career. It is something Pineda will look to capitalize against Swanson. At 35 years of age, he will want to make the most of what he has left in his fighting career.
Swanson has been a true legend for the UFC. But at 37, it looks like time has started to catch up with him. With the UFC currently cutting fighters at a mass rate, he will probably be fighting for his future in the organization. That would be an extra chip on his shoulder. As an added burden, he also has a record of getting submitted.
Seven of Swanson’s professional losses have been via submission. But against an expert submission artist like Pineda, that might prove to be a deciding factor. Also, judging by the recent run of two fighters, it seems likely for Pineda to get better of Swanson.
Final Prediction: Pineda wins by submission
