Cub Swanson Says He Panicked in Brian Ortega’s Choke at UFC Fight Night 123

– Cub Swanson spoke about his loss to Brian Ortega at UFC Fight Night 123, saying he “panicked” in the fight-ending guillotine choke. Highlights from the interview are below, per MMAjunkie:

On his performance up until the loss: “I felt like I was picking him apart, getting my flow from the (start). I was figuring him out. I thought it was one of my best performances until getting caught. … I was landing big body shots, big leg kicks. Everything I wanted to execute I was doing. I felt great, and I messed up.”

On Ortega’s guillotine that stopped the fight: “It crushed my head, and it’s like my neck just flared up, and I panicked. I felt like I was going to die.”

On Ortega: “I think he’s still got some work to do, but obviously all the tools are there because you can’t teach poise and determination. He’s got that. That’s why he’s undefeated. That’s why he’s come from behind all of his fights.”