article about MMA fighter Cub Swanson, featuring in-depth personal, career, and financial insights, plus answers to top FAQs. Every effort is made to stay within your precise guidelines and only include verified public information.
Cub Swanson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Kevin Luke “Cub” Swanson |
| Nickname | Cub |
| Born | November 2, 1983 |
| Age | 42 years |
| College | N/A |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’8″ (173 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2004 |
| Net Worth | Approx. $3 million |
| Per fight | Ranges: $50,000–$120,000 |
| Spouse | Kenda Perez |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @cubswanson |
Early Career
Cub Swanson’s journey into mixed martial arts began in 2003 when he started training seriously. He made his professional MMA debut on July 25, 2004, at Total Combat in Mexico since California hadn’t yet sanctioned MMA.
Despite losing his debut to Shannon Gugerty by submission in under a minute, Swanson bounced back to build a winning streak. He fought across California and Mexico, steadily notching wins, overcoming adversity, and developing a reputation for exciting fights and relentless improvement.
Professional Career
Cub Swanson’s rise in MMA is characterized by continual evolution. After a tough debut loss, Swanson picked up critical victories in various regional promotions before joining World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) in 2007. He became known for his aggressive style and ability to win in explosive fashion.
Swanson made a seamless transition to the UFC after the WEC-UFC merger, facing and often overcoming some of the most formidable featherweights and lightweights in the world. He’s built a deep resume, battling legends like Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, and Charles Oliveira, while also securing unforgettable wins against contenders such as Doo Ho Choi, Dustin Poirier, and Kron Gracie.
His 2016 fight against Choi is widely regarded as one of MMA’s all-time classics and earned a place in the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing. Over a two-decade career, he’s continued to coach, run his gym, and serve as a mentor, always striving to add new dimensions to his game while providing for his family and inspiring new generations of fighters.
Wife
Cub Swanson is happily married to Kenda Perez, the well-known model and television presenter. The couple tied the knot in 2018 and had started their family a year earlier. Their first child, Royal Rae Swanson, was born in 2017, followed by the birth of identical twin sons, Saint Cub Swanson and King Cub Swanson, in 2018.
Swanson often credits his family for the motivation and grounding that drive his ongoing career longevity and consistency. They are a visible part of his life both in and out of the cage, often appearing together at events and on social media.
Cub Swanson’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Cub Swanson’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $3 million. This figure includes earnings from fight purses, bonuses, gym ownership, sponsorships, and endorsements. His consistent presence in the UFC over nearly two decades, along with high-profile bonuses for Fight of the Night performances, has enabled him to build considerable financial security for himself and his family.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Year | Purse (Disclosed) |
| WEC Debut – Total Combat | Shannon Gugerty | 2004 | Not disclosed |
| WEC Debut | Tommy Lee | 2007 | $6,000 |
| WEC 41 | Jose Aldo | 2009 | $8,940 |
| UFC Fight Night (vs. Dooho Choi) | Dooho Choi | 2016 | $62,000 (base) |
| UFC Fight Night (vs. Ortega) | Brian Ortega | 2017 | $76,000 (base) |
| Other UFC Fights (avg. per fight) | Various | 2012-2025 | Ranges: $50,000–$120,000 |
| Fight Night Bonuses (10+) | Various | Whole Career | $50,000 per bonus |
Endorsements
- Swanson has been sponsored by PowerBilt, a golf club company, reflecting his off-cage passion for golf.
- He’s partnered with Fight apparel and MMA brands involved in his gym ventures.
- Swanson co-owns or is associated with local fitness and MMA centers, boosting his visibility.
- Social media sponsorships and digital promotions are part of his regular activities.
- He’s worked with nutrition and supplement companies, including on health-focused campaigns.
- Swanson’s public image as a family man and sportsman has attracted family-friendly brands.
- Swanson occasionally appears in advertisements for UFC partner brands.
- Regional businesses have sponsored Swanson, especially near his California home base.
- He’s participated in charitable campaigns supported by athletic gear brands.
- Personal appearance fees at MMA seminars and expos supplement his income.
Career Records
| Notable Opponent | Result | Event & Year |
| Jose Aldo | Loss (TKO) | WEC 41, 2009 |
| Charles Oliveira | Win (KO) | UFC 152, 2012 |
| Dustin Poirier | Win (UD) | UFC on Fuel TV, 2013 |
| Frankie Edgar | Loss (UD) | UFC Fight Night, 2014 |
| Doo Ho Choi | Win (UD, Fight of the Year) | UFC 206, 2016 |
| Brian Ortega | Loss (Submission) | UFC Fight Night, 2017 |
| Kron Gracie | Win (UD) | UFC Fight Night, 2019 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | Win (UD) | UFC ESPN, 2023 |
| Darren Elkins | Win (KO) | UFC Fight Night, 2021 |
| Ricardo Lamas | Loss (Submission) | UFC on Fox, 2011 |
FAQs
1. Who is Cub Swanson and what division does he fight in?
Cub Swanson is an American mixed martial artist who has competed primarily in the Featherweight division, known for his striking power and long UFC career dating back to WEC. He has fought at 145 pounds for most of his professional tenure.
2. When and where was Cub Swanson born?
Cub Swanson was born on November 2, 1983, in Orange County, California, United States.
3. How did Cub Swanson begin his MMA career?
Swanson began his professional MMA career in 2004, competing in regional promotions before rising to prominence in WEC and later joining UFC as part of the WEC/UFC merger.
4. What are Cub Swanson’s most notable UFC achievements?
Swanson has earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night honors, and has notable wins over top featherweights, including wins in the WEC era and later triumphs in the UFC, contributing to a long, competitive career at the highest level.
5. How many wins does Cub Swanson have in his professional career?
Over his career, Swanson has accumulated a substantial number of wins across WEC and UFC events, with a record that places him among the more experienced featherweights in the sport.
6. What is Cub Swanson’s fighting style?
Swanson is known for his aggressive striking, boxing-heavy approach, and has also shown competence on the ground with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals and multiple submission wins.
7. Who are Cub Swanson’s most notable rivals?
Throughout his career, Swanson has faced several high-profile featherweights, including matchups against top contenders and former champions, with several notable wars that highlighted his durability and heart.
8. Has Cub Swanson ever fought at a weight class other than featherweight?
Although primarily a featherweight, Swanson has competed at bantamweight on occasion, but the bulk of his professional action has been at 145 pounds.
9. What are Cub Swanson’s most famous fights?
Some of Swanson’s most memorable fights include high-action bouts against top contenders where his endurance, speed, and punching power were on full display, contributing to his reputation as an exciting veteran of the division.
10. Is Cub Swanson still active in MMA?
Swanson has had a lengthy career with periods of activity spanning many years; as of the latest major records, he remained an active fighter, continuing to compete against high-level opponents, though activity may vary by year.