by 
Cub Swanson was close to announcing his retirement after defeating Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 63 this month.
UFC commentator Laura Sanko knows it’s not an easy decision, especially after a highlight finish in Fight of the Night. But considering how spectacular the moment was and Swanson (30-14 MMA, 15-10 UFC) had his wife and family in attendance, Sanko would have been happy to include the longtime veteran in the sub.
“I’ll be honest: I wish he had done it in that moment – in the octagon with the image of him taking his gloves off with the moment at the microphone,” Sanko told MMA Junkie. “I wish that because I want all of these things for him because he deserves all of this.”
Swanson was emotional after the win as he reflected on his career and what could still be achieved. He is the UFC record holder in multiple categories and has done everything in the promotion except fight for and win a championship.
Related
UFC Tampa post-event facts: Cub Swanson passes Max Holloway’s bonus record
UFC Tampa Conclusion: Will Cub Swanson lead by example with his perfect retirement?
Cub Swanson defeated. Billy Quarantillo at UFC Tampa: Best Photos
Because of his ties to the sport through his training team and management company, Swanson will continue to be heavily involved in MMA even after his time as a fighter officially ends.
He is currently 41 years old and has arguably already expanded his career beyond imagination after turning professional in July 2004. Putting together a 20-year career is almost unimaginable in this sport, and for Sanko, getting out of the sport is all the more reason why Swanson should get out of the sport.
“When he got to the post-show desk, it seemed like he was about to say it,” Sanko said. “He was so close to saying it. We played like a small package of some of his biggest highlights and talked about his career as a whole and his life as a whole. Where he came from as a troubled teenager and how sports saved him.” Sports not only saved him from a path he had taken in his young life, but also gave him (everything).
“He met his wife and now he has his children, he has students and he has a management agency. MMA is literally his life, and it’s what he built. When he talked about it, he got pretty emotional and almost said he was retiring, but he didn’t feel like it could be said. I wish he had said it in the octagon.
“It doesn’t get any better. It’s just on the ground. He could take out someone else, I guess. I guess. But this is a crazy game. You can’t expect a better walk-off knockout moment than this.” That’s why we love Cub.
“He can do whatever he wants. It’s not up to us. But it doesn’t get any better.”
To hear more from Sanko, watch her full appearance on The Bohnfire podcast above, hosted by MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn.
For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 63.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Laura Sanko Wants Cub Swanson to Retire at UFC Tampa: ‘It Doesn’t Get Better’
