MMA Access: Cub Swanson and the Obstacles to a Title Shot

Cub Swanson and the Obstacles to a Title Shot
By Christopher Jester
 
 
He is right! He should not have to beg for a title shot. After defeating Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night 44 to increase his win streak to six fights, Cub Swanson is on the type of streak that should set him up for a title shot. He has defeated some of the best fighters in the UFC’s featherweight division, and should have placed himself on track to getting back to a title shot. Whether it will be Jose Aldo or Chad Mendes, Swanson has done everything he needs to do for a title shot (need more convincing? watch the video below).
 

Swanson sits pretty at the top of the heap in the featherweight division. But what may be troubling is that he is not exactly thrilled at asking for a title shot that he may properly deserve. Yet, there is a part of this writer that believes the UFC may be waiting on a few things before giving Swanson the go ahead.
 

If Jose Aldo defeats Mendes, he will likely rather move up to lightweight than face Swanson again. If Anthony Pettis were to get past Gilbert Melendez, he would likely want to put on the fight that he was originally scheduled for some time opposite Aldo. A super-fight? Perhaps, but how much is the UFC willing to put the brakes on two of their robust divisions?
 

Swanson may be the one who sits as the #1 contender but there are still some obvious threats. Frankie Edgar is likely the one who the UFC wants to put back into title contention. But his date with BJ Penn this weekend will determine his future in the 145lb division and title relevancy.
 

Even if you look at some of those other fights, it may be fair to say that we should get the opportunity see him fight for a title before anyone else. Whether that will be case is a wait and see kind of deal, but the way he has grown over the years showcases why endurance and creativity is such a powerful thing in this sport. He may be no Chael Sonnen on the microphone, but he is a monster in the cage. Fighting either Aldo or Mendes should produce an intriguing match-up.
 

On top of the division with a bevy of fighters nipping at his heels, Swanson should easily find himself in the blue corner of a title fight as the challenger, but other nifty up-and-comers such as Dennis Bermudez and Dustin Poirier will likely have something to say real soon to get the opportunity to knock Swanson off his perch.
 

Cub Swanson “Beautiful Destruction” by S.M.S Productions – Highlight Video:
 

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