Cub Swanson emerged with a victory against Hakeem Dawodu in the co-main event at UFC on ESPN 51. Swanson, however, wasn't so sure
In a turn of events that left both fans and fighters scratching their heads. Cub Swanson emerged with a victory against Hakeem Dawodu in the co-main event at UFC on ESPN 51. Swanson, however, wasn’t so sure he deserved the win as he expressed uncertainty about the unanimous decision in his favor.
The featherweight bout between Swanson and Dawodu showcased the unpredictable nature of judging in mixed martial arts. Swanson is a seasoned UFC veteran and he expected a different outcome. Although all three judges scored the fight 29-28 in Swanson’s favor the fighter himself wasn’t convinced he had secured the victory.
Swanson’s self-assessment was a mix of self-critique and acknowledgment of the game plan his corner had formulated. While he believed he lost the first round, his corner was unanimous in their opinion that he had won it. This discrepancy highlights the subjectivity of judging in MMA and the difficulty of interpreting each round’s action and momentum.
In the second round, Swanson admitted that his opponent Dawodu seemed to gain momentum. Despite this, Swanson noted a significant moment where he hurt Dawodu toward the end of the round. This key moment likely played a role in the judges’ perception of the round contributing to Swanson’s overall victory.
Swanson’s approach in the fight was clear to stay in Dawodu’s face and push the pace. However, the featherweight battle turned into a chess match underscoring the technical aspects and strategy involved in the sport. Swanson expressed some frustration with his own activity during the fight citing his desire to have been more active. This sentiment is a testament to Swanson’s dedication to his craft and his pursuit of continuous improvement.
The victory against Dawodu marks a bounce-back for Swanson after a TKO loss to Jonathan Martinez in his previous fight. Swanson’s journey in the UFC has been a long and storied one spanning nearly two decades. At 39 years old, he recognizes that retirement is on the horizon. Despite this, Swanson’s focus remains on enjoying the sport and performing at his best.
He carries the wisdom of experience and a sense of fulfillment. His intention to have fun and continue fighting stems from a genuine love for the sport. The victory against Dawodu serves as a reminder of Swanson’s resilience and dedication attributes that have carried him through various phases of his career.
While the decision may have been surprising to Swanson himself. It showcases the complexity of judging and the diversity of opinions in the MMA community. Swanson’s humility in questioning the decision is a reflection of his sportsmanship and honesty.
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