UFC's Cub Swanson Prepares for Final Fight Before Coaching Career

The 42-year-old featherweight veteran will make his last walk to the Octagon on Saturday at UFC 327 before focusing on his family and new Bloodline gym.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:59pm

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An abstract expressionist painting in neon colors, featuring rapid brushstrokes that convey the dynamic movements and intensity of an MMA fighter in action, conceptually representing Cub Swanson's long and accomplished career in the sport.As Cub Swanson prepares for his final fight, a vibrant expressionist painting captures the raw energy and intensity of his storied MMA career.Orange Today

Cub Swanson, a 42-year-old featherweight fighter with a storied 22-year career in MMA, will compete in his final fight on Saturday at UFC 327 in Miami. After the bout, he plans to transition into coaching and running his new Bloodline gym in Orange, California, which he co-founded with his business partner Mani Ahmadi. Swanson has had a remarkable career, with 15 Fight or Knockout of the Night awards, and his 2016 fight against Doo-Ho Choi was named Fight of the Year. Despite his success in the cage, Swanson has faced personal challenges, including a difficult upbringing, but credits MMA with helping him become the man he is today. As he prepares for his last fight, Swanson is focused on pouring himself into his family, his new gym, and mentoring the next generation of fighters.

Why it matters

Cub Swanson's retirement from fighting marks the end of an era, as he is the last remaining fighter on the UFC roster who competed in the WEC promotion, which helped introduce lighter weight classes and action-packed battles to MMA fans. His transition to coaching and running his own gym represents an opportunity for him to give back to the sport that has shaped his life, while also providing a blueprint for other fighters on how to successfully transition into a post-fighting career.

The details

In his final fight, Swanson will take on Nate Landwehr in the UFC 327 main card. To prepare, Swanson has been training at high elevations, pushing his body to the limit. He has also been heavily involved in the buildout of his new Bloodline gym in Orange, California, which he co-founded with his business partner Mani Ahmadi. The gym features a unique pool-turned-training pit and will offer classes for both kids and adults. Swanson and Ahmadi are focused on creating a positive, drama-free environment for their stable of 11 fighters, with the goal of helping them succeed both in and out of the cage.

  • Swanson entered his first pro MMA fight in 2004 in Mexico, losing in 15 seconds.
  • Swanson fought in the WEC promotion from 2007-2010, facing future UFC champions and Hall of Famers.
  • Swanson's fight against Doo-Ho Choi in 2016 was named Fight of the Year.
  • Swanson's last fight before his retirement was a victory over Billy Quarantillo in December 2025.
  • Swanson's final fight will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2026 at UFC 327 in Miami.

The players

Cub Swanson

A 42-year-old featherweight fighter with a 22-year career in MMA, including 15 Fight or Knockout of the Night awards. He is preparing for his final fight before transitioning to coaching and running his new Bloodline gym.

Mani Ahmadi

Cub Swanson's business partner and the cousin of Kami Safdari, Swanson's former mentor who passed away. Ahmadi is helping Swanson build and manage the Bloodline gym.

Nate Landwehr

Swanson's opponent in his final fight at UFC 327.

Michael Bisping

A former UFC middleweight champion and Swanson's co-owner of the UFC Gym in Costa Mesa, California.

Kami Safdari

Swanson's former mentor and cornerman who passed away in 2020, inspiring Swanson to create the Bloodline gym.

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What they’re saying

“I'm like, 'I want that. I want to have a highlight video that inspires people.'”

— Cub Swanson

“It's all about vibe for us. I don't want to be training guys that aren't fun to be around and good people and hard workers. I don't want drama. I don't want if somebody's a headache to work with. No thanks. It's not why I'm in this.”

— Cub Swanson

“It's the culmination of 20 years of Cub's hard work and friendship, and we can't wait to be a part of the Orange community and the Orange County community and contribute back.”

— Mani Ahmadi, Cub Swanson's business partner

“I think Cub's done a great job of not being one dimensional. He's a fighter, family man, and now an entrepreneur and coach. So we want to show these guys that there is a life beyond fighting. Empower them to pursue that, give them opportunities to do that.”

— Mani Ahmadi, Cub Swanson's business partner

“I'm trying to really take it in knowing that this is the last time, and we're never going to be in this moment again. These are all going to be memories that we look back on and say, 'Wow, that was crazy. And remember when that happened? And remember what that felt like?' So I'm trying to salvage them and really take them in.”

— Kenda Swanson, Cub Swanson's wife

What’s next

After his final fight on Saturday, Cub Swanson will focus on running his new Bloodline gym in Orange, California, where he plans to coach and mentor the next generation of fighters.

The takeaway

Cub Swanson's retirement from MMA marks the end of an era, as he is the last remaining fighter from the WEC promotion that helped introduce lighter weight classes and action-packed fights to the sport. His transition to coaching and entrepreneurship represents an opportunity for him to give back to the sport that shaped his life, while also providing a blueprint for other fighters on how to successfully transition into a post-fighting career.