Cub Swanson and Andre Fili at the UFC 303 official weigh-in Photo Credit: Eddie Law/Cageside Press
Andre Fili and Cub Swanson fought to a close decision at UFC 303.
At 40 years old, “Killer” Cub Swanson is one of the few WEC veterans still active and is still going strong, having won four of his last six bouts. Fili is coming off a knockout loss so it was tough to see how his chin would hold up against the legendary Swanson, but more than anything, fans were hoping for a fast-paced, striking-filled match.
It was that way from the start, with Fili attacking with kicks and other longer weapons, and Kabu trying to find ways to attack with his own boxing style. Both fighters had their moments of strength, and the striking flowed naturally, but the gap between the two was tight in the first round, and the pace slowed significantly in the final minute.
Andre Fili changed his tactics in the second round, going for a takedown. The takedown was successful, but Swanson scrambled up after just a few seconds. Standing up, the pace slowed again with Fili often retreating in circles. When Cub charged at Fili, Andre grabbed him and pushed him against the fence. Fili was again unable to take Swanson down, and his opponent’s poor defense allowed “Killer” Cub to land several right punches in the standing. But every time Fili showed an opening, he retaliated more effectively. It was another close round, but Fili wasn’t looking good.
Fili was hit again early in the third round for poor defense. However, when Kabu attacked, he was taken down and got up, but was held in the clinch for the first two minutes of the round. Once he was free, Kabu took Andre Fili down multiple times. Again, Kabu landed some hits, but later in the round, Andre fought back even harder, landing punches with viciousness. Swanson kept up the pressure until the final bell rang, landing the best shots of the round and hurting Fili in the final five seconds.
As a tense crowd and fighters awaited the verdict, Bruce Buffer announced that Andre Fili had won on two of the three scorecards against the legendary Cub Swanson.
Official result: Andre Fili defeats Cub Swanson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
