UFC Fight Night 44: Cub Swanson vs. Jeremy Stephens Fight Breakdown

UFC Fight Night 44 is coming our way this Saturday, June 28, 2014, from the AT & T Center in San Antonio, Texas, and has a number of intriguing and potentially explosive battles to offer fans. The top of the card is the featherweight scrap between streaking 145’ers Jeremy Stephens and Cub Swanson, so let’s check out how they compare from top to bottom:

Wrestling:

Both fighters lack any notable wrestling credentials, although Stephens might want to take the fight to the mat more than ‘Beautiful Destruction’ does. There have been some solid displays of offensive wrestling from the Alliance product ‘Lil’ Heathen’ since dropping to 145 pounds, and I’m sure Swanson is more than happy to let the fight take place on the feet.

Swanson and Stephens have had trouble with wrestlers in the past, but I’d say Stephens has more of a physical presence in this art, and his impressive takedowns as a featherweight mean he has the nod in the wrestling department. 60-40 Stephens

Submissions:

Both guys are Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belts and have shown a strength in this department, Swanson has racked up seven wins by tap-or-nap, and Stephens holds three official submissions (although one was to strikes). I’d say that this is the most even category in the fight, and also will probably be the least used in both men’s gameplans.

Swanson could go to the well if ‘Lil’ Heathen’ tries to grind him out, as could Stephens if ‘Beautiful Destruction’ over commits with some ground striking. A bit of a moot point for me, and I see it as 50-50.

Striking:

Here is the most intriguing part about Stephens vs. Swanson, and it is also pretty tough to call. The Alliance MMA member has 15 knockouts in 23 wins, in comparison to Jackson’s product Swanson, who owns eight from 20. You could argue that Swanson’s unpredictability and varied arsenal could make up for the fact that he may have slightly less power.

Knockout wins over Rony Jason, Rafael dos Anjos and Marcus Davis have shown that Stephens has some real raw power, but his opponent packs a fair amount of his own and likes to employ a lot of angles. Crazy acrobatics vs. old fashioned knockout power. Stephens and Swanson have also only ever been finished by strikes once each, leading to my decision that it is another dead heat; 50-50.

This bout is about as close at it comes. Who are you picking to emerge victorious this Saturday night?