Cub Swanson to Retire After UFC 327 Fight in Miami

The final WEC alum in the UFC will call it a career after one more bout.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Veteran UFC featherweight Cub Swanson has announced that his upcoming fight at UFC 327 in Miami will be the final bout of his legendary career. Swanson, who has been fighting professionally since 2004, is the last remaining fighter from the now-defunct WEC promotion on the UFC's active roster.

Why it matters

Swanson's retirement marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last links to the WEC, which was absorbed by the UFC in 2010. His retirement also signifies the winding down of the careers of a generation of pioneering MMA fighters who helped build the sport into what it is today.

The details

Swanson (30-14 MMA, 15-10 UFC) will face Nate Landwehr (18-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) in a three-round featherweight bout at UFC 327 on April 11 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Swanson, who is 42 years old, has indicated that this will be his final fight before retiring. He is known for his exciting fighting style and has faced many of the top featherweights in UFC history, including Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, and Frankie Edgar.

  • Swanson will fight at UFC 327 on April 11, 2026 in Miami.
  • Swanson has been a professional fighter since July 2004.

The players

Cub Swanson

A 42-year-old UFC featherweight who has been fighting professionally since 2004 and is the last remaining fighter from the now-defunct WEC promotion on the UFC's active roster.

Nate Landwehr

Swanson's opponent at UFC 327, a 5-5 UFC featherweight fighter.

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What they’re saying

“Team captain @cubswanson takes the final walk to the Octagon to finish his legendary career in Miami!”

— Bloodline Combat Sports Agency, Swanson's management group (Instagram)

What’s next

Swanson's retirement fight against Landwehr will take place on April 11, 2026 at UFC 327 in Miami.

The takeaway

Cub Swanson's retirement marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last remaining links to the WEC promotion that helped build the modern UFC. His exciting fighting style and willingness to take on the best featherweights of his era have made him a fan favorite, and his retirement will be a bittersweet moment for MMA fans.