It’s fair to say Mike Swick is on the brink of something big.
After losing a hard fought decision to a physically superior Yushin Okami at UFC 69 as a middleweight he made the trek down to the welterweight level and has found a wealth of success in the process.
“I learned a lot from the fight (with Okami). I felt in good shape. He was just big and he had really good positioning. I almost knocked him out in the second. In the third round I reversed him, passed his guard, and I ended the fight on top punching him. He had nothing left. It wasn’t the worst loss in the world,” said Swick.
So far it is the best career decision he has made to date.
The American Kickboxing Academy product has rattled off three consecutive victories since moving to the 170 pound limit over formidable contenders Josh Burkman, Marcus Davis, and most recently, Jonathan Goulet in December 2008 at UFC Fight Night 16.
As a result, he is knocking on the door for a potential title shot.
Swick, nicknamed ‘Quick’ since the beginning stages of his UFC career is known for his pressing forward, aggressive fighting style that has made him a fan favorite.
“I think speed kills. I think it’s one of the best attributes of fighting. When I can hit somebody and they don’t see it coming, they don’t block it, and I get absolutely no resistance from them coming in and landing those shots I think that’s great.”
An impressive win over the young and hungry Ben Saunders on Saturday at the UFC 99 event would go a long way in convincing UFC President Dana White and matchmaker extraordinaire Joe Silva that he deserves the opportunity to fight for the belt in the near future.
“I think I would definitely be entitled to a big fight (with a win). If they give me a title fight I would love it. Obviously that would be the best outcome, but if not, just a big fight would be great.”
First thing is first though. Take care of business in Cologne, Germany this weekend and let the chips fall where they may.
How does Swick intend to attack Saunders?
“I plan to do what I always do. I’m going to put the pressure on him. I’m going to throw my hands. I’m going to throw everything.”
No surprise there.
