mma / News

Cub Swanson Says McGregor Should Have Been Stripped of the Belt a Long Time Ago

December 8, 2016 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

Cub Swanson spoke with MMAjunkie ahead of his fight with Dooho Choi at UFC 206. Some highlights are below:

On McGregor being stripped of the featherweight title: “They should have stripped Conor a long time ago. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I see what they were trying to do with him being a two-division champ, but they should have done that right away. He was the one that called the shot of doing 170. Nate Diaz wanted 155 both times. That was ridiculous. I’m glad we’re moving forward. I was upset that I didn’t get a title shot after six wins in a row, multiple No. 1 contender fights, but this kid (UFC 206 headliner Max Holloway) had like (nine) in a row. I’m glad he’s getting his shot (at the interim belt). I’m glad to see (Anthony Pettis), a 155-pound champ, coming down and fighting him. The winner fights Aldo. I think it’s awesome, and it brings excitement back to the division again.”

On fighting younger fighters: “It’s fun. It makes it fresh again. Not too long ago – it was a long time ago, but it doesn’t feel too long ago – I called out Jens Pulver to fight, and I was the guy that was hungry, trying to prove himself. And now here we are, and people are calling me out. It comes full circle. I’m proud of the role in now. It’s exciting.”

On a possible title shot: “I’ve been at the top, but you have to have a win streak to be in contention. This would be three in a row, and that would put me right for another big fight. And that’s where I want to be at this point. I want to be in big fights.”