Cub Swanson has designs on making his Octagon return late this year.
The veteran featherweight tore his ACL and meniscus during a grappling match with Jake Shields at Quintet Ultra this past December. The cost of the surgery was covered by the UFC, and Swanson targeted a November or December return in the aftermath.
With the promotion and every other sports organization in a holding pattern due to the coronavirus pandemic, Swanson’s comeback plans haven’t changed. In fact, it’s probably a better time than most for injury rehabilitation.
“I think the biggest thing about my comeback is I had a date of around November, and nothing’s stopping me from that,” Swanson said in a recent Instagram post.
“This whole thing, it’s really challenged me to stay focused. I look at it on the bright side, like I’ve picked a great time to be injured, so I’m just focusing on being at home with my kids and enjoying my time, and knowing that I will be back by November. If there’s fights going on, I will be in them, I will be ready and I will be better than ever.”
Swanson ended a four-bout losing streak this past October at UFC Fight Night 161, where he captured a unanimous decision against Kron Gracie. Swanson is 11-7 during his tenure with the promotion and owns notable victories against the likes of Doo Ho Choi, Jeremy Stephens, Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira.