Daniel Pineda Has Designs on Finishing Cub Swanson at UFC 256

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On Dec. 12 at UFC 256, Daniel Pineda will get the chance to add the most notable name yet to his resume’s win column. Thirty-seven fight veteran Cub Swanson has been one of the best featherweights competing in the sport over the last decade. However, after losing four of his last six, a win over him may not give Pineda the same kind of clout boost earned by Brian Ortega or Renato Carneiro before him. It’s why the 35-year-old knows he needs to give a standout performance in victory to get that reputation lift he is looking for.

“It’s gonna matter because I’m not going to beat him in a decision. I’m gonna finish him,” Pineda told Sherdog. “That’s the goal. Finish him. If I can finish him then I can get the respect.”

Along with breaking down his upcoming bout inside the UFC Apex, “The Pit” talked about returning to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in August and why he knew a return to the promotion was likely after six years away, despite his failed drug test for the Professional Fighters League last year. Pineda also spoke on being a new father and his impressive win over Herbert Burns at UFC 252.