UFC 162 Results: Cub Swanson Proves He Deserves Title Shot with KO Win

In one of the most devastating finishes at UFC 162 on Saturday night, Cub Swanson knocked out Dennis Siver in the third round. While some questioned if the referee stoppage had transpired too late, no one doubted the outcome.

With Swanson's impressive victory, he proved that he deserves a shot at the UFC featherweight title.

Swanson isn't the most high-profile fighter in the world, but he's one of the most successful brawlers in the UFC. He's won five consecutive fights with the company, picking up a KO or TKO finish in four of those battles.

That includes this vicious finish of Siver at UFC 162 in Las Vegas, Nevada, which had one of Swanson's high-profile peers praising his performance.

Coming from Forrest Griffin—a man who has been on both sides of extraordinary knockouts—that statement comes with some power.

There's no question that Swanson lacks the star profile of fighters such as Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar or Kenny Florian. If you put a title shot in his hands, however, Swanson would take the most necessary step of all in his pursuit of glory.

He'd win over the fans.

Winning over the Fans

Swanson has made it no secret that he is looking to compete for a title in the UFC. With that being said, Swanson isn't looking for a handout, but instead he's turning to the fans to open their hearts to his dream.

According to MMA Weekly, he wants the fans to decide if he gets a title shot.

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I’ve been really thinking about that a lot in my room and I feel like, if I get the opportunity, I’m going to let the fans decide. I feel like my work speaks for itself. I’m not the biggest media guy. I just like to fight, and I try to let my work speak for itself. When the fans are ready to see me fight for a title, or whoever they want to see me fight, than that’s what I need to do because it’s my job.

"

If Swanson can get the fans behind him, he would then find a major piece of this puzzle.

There's no question that the 29-year-old has the ability, as his raw power is as explosive as any fighter in his weight class. Paired with the fact that he's an aggressive fighter who has improved his mental approach to the game, Swanson could be something different than you'd expect.

He could be a champion—and it all starts with the fans.

Matching up Against Aldo

If Jose Aldo is to put his UFC Featherweight Championship on the line, he would likely do so against a legitimate challenger. With consecutive victories against some of the biggest names in the UFC, however, some believe that Aldo will remain on top until the day he chooses to relinquish the belt.

Not so fast.

Aldo stands at 5'7" and 145 pounds, while Swanson checks in at 5'7" and 146 pounds. Beyond the physical attributes is the fact that Swanson has quick, powerful hands that can break through at any moment.

If they connect, his opponent's day is over.

For a company that's often driven by trash talking, he could be the soft-spoken yet heavy-hitting fighter the UFC needs. Not only will he step in and take on any opponent with acceptance and dedication, but in the face of adversity, he will not back down.

Instead, Swanson will come out with fists flying—something we'd love to see against Aldo with the title on the line.