The case of Cub Swanson’s brother, Steve Swanson, and the UFC fighter serves as a prime example of the impact that a strong family foundation can have on an athlete’s career.
Cub’s journey from a rough childhood to becoming a renowned mixed martial artist wasn’t easy.
His brother, Steve, supported him and became the fatherly figure to him after the death of their father. Later, Cub also helped his brother find the right path.
On 13 August 2023, he was up against Hakeem Dawodu in The UFC Fight Night Featherweight Co-main, and Cub stood victorious.
Cub Swanson, born Kevin Luke Swanson on November 2, 1983, is an American professional mixed martial artist.
A Palm Springs, California native, Swanson currently competes in the Bantamweight division in the UFC.
Swanson made his professional fight debut on July 25, 2004, at Total Combat in Mexico.
The fighter competed in the lightweight division until 2006. He then moved to the featherweight division before entering the Bantamweight category in 2022.
With a formidable MMA record of 29-13-0, Swanson has earned the nickname “The Killer.” As of now, he represents Joel Diaz Training Camp.
Moreover, Swanson holds the most post-fight bonus awards in division history with eight. Likewise, he has been awarded “Fight of the Night” honors ten times.
Cub Swanson Brother: Steve Swanson
Steve Swanson, Cub Swanson’s older brother, was an impressive MMA fighter in his own right.
Born on 1980 April 27, Steve fought in the Bantamweight division representing Jackson Wink MMA.
Steve “Little” Swanson holds a Pro MMA Record of 14-4-0. His last fight was in the Legacy Fighting Alliance on March 23, 2018.
Fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the former MMA fighter carved his way through multiple promotions.
They include Combate Americas, California Fight League, Gladiator Challenge, and Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Presently, Steve Swanson coaches young boxers at the Joel Diaz Training Camp in California’s Coachella Valley.
Early Life Challenges And The Brotherly Bond
The Swanson brothers had a challenging upbringing. It’s a miracle the brothers made it big and are in a comfortable position in their lives.
Growing up in a neighborhood plagued by crime and poverty, they were exposed to the harsh realities of life from a young age.
Although they excelled in soccer, winning the majority of the AYSO tournaments, their world outside the game had grown harder.
The early demise of their father left Steve trying to fill the hole and become the leader he felt his brothers needed.
At 18, Steve dropped out of high school to support his childhood sweetheart, who had unexpectedly become pregnant with twins.
Sadly, Stephanie and Alisa passed away months after their premature birth.
Steve sank into a decade of vicious self-destruction, having shuttled in and out of jail over a half-dozen times.
It was only after a two-year retreat in a Christian men’s home, Steve found a sense of peace.
Consequently, Cub came with an offer to indulge his older brother in the world of mixed martial arts.
As Steve had been more of the authority figure, it was a difficult transition for the younger brother trying to be Steve’s coach.
Regardless, Steve started training jiu-jitsu and took to MMA quickly. Just after five months of training, he knocked his opponent out in under a minute in his first smoker.
Cub Swanson: Parents And Family
Swanson was born to Steven Swanson and Elaine Hernandez. His father is of Swedish origin, while his mother is Mexican.
Other than Steve, Cub has another older brother named Aaron and two sisters.
Cub’s father passed away from a battle with melanoma shortly after he was born. As a result of heavy grieving, Cub’s mother also fell into drug addiction.
Thus, Cub and his siblings were then adopted and raised by their father’s cousin.
Moreover, Cub is a family man who tied the knot with Kenda Perez on June 1st of 2018.
The two are blessed with three lovely kids; Royal Rae Swanson, King Cub Swanson, and Saint Cub Swanson.
