Cub Swanson explains why he won’t beg for a UFC title shot

Cub Swanson had the chance to plead his case for a title shot following a dominant UFC Fight Night 44 win over Jeremy Stephens this past weekend. Instead, he opted for a more humble approach saying he would not “beg” for a championship fight.

Swanson (21-5 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was in the center of the octagon for his post-fight interview with commentator Jon Anik, riding high after a stellar performance against Stephens (23-10 MMA, 10-9 UFC). He could have fired up the crowd and TV audience, passionately arguing why he should fight the winner of UFC 176’s featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes.

But Swanson, who earned a clear-cut unanimous-decision in the June 28 event’s headliner, did none of that.

That led to some criticism that Swanson missed an opportunity that was served on a silver platter. From his perspective, though, it was the right approach to take.

“I feel like I’ve done enough, and I want them to say, ‘Cub, we want you to fight for the title,’” Swanson told MMAjunkie Radio. “I don’t want to have to beg for it. That’s all I’m trying to say. I’m the kind of guy who lets my fighting do the talking. I want them to want me to fight for the title.”

Although Swanson’s promotional tactics leave plenty to be desired, it’s hard to argue with his accomplishments inside the cage. After dropping his UFC debut in November 2011, Swanson has reeled off six consecutive victories, four by knockout.

During that stretch, he’s defeated George Roop, Ross Pearson, Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Dennis Siver, and, most recently, Stephens. All of those opponents are more than competent and have respectable UFC resumes.

Swanson says that strength of competition is one reason why he refuses to specifically call out the champion. He believes current No. 1 contender Mendes has fought worse opposition during his respective winning streak, and if “Money” can get a title shot for his run, Swanson believes he should get his opportunity as well.

“Look at Chad’s record,” Swanson said. “Most of the guys he fought aren’t even in the UFC anymore. The guys I’m fighting are all like 85 percent win streak. Lamas is winning, Oliveira’s winning, and Pearson has been winning. All these guys are still doing well. I’m not fighting guys on their way out.”

With Aldo and Mendes set to face off at UFC 176 next month in Los Angeles, the future of the featherweight title picture is unlikely to be resolved until after the event.

Should Aldo emerge victorious, there’s a good chance Swanson will be next in line. But if Mendes pulls off the upset, Aldo could be given an immediate rematch due to his lengthy title reign.

That puts Swanson in a tough spot, especially because he said Mendes has a very real chance at dethroning the longtime Brazilian titleholder.

It’s possible that a more vocal Swanson could guarantee his position as the next title contender. But even after taking some time to reflect on his post-fight comments, Swanson wouldn’t change his approach and strongly believes his performances will be the ultimate decider of his fate.

“I’ve done so much by winning six in a row against the toughest guys,” Swanson said. “Everybody’s always like, ‘Give me the title fight.’ Trust me, I want to fight for it.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 44, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.