Cub Swanson is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Swanson has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters in the MMA world.
You can follow Cub Swanson’s biography, personal details, career details, wife, net worth, fight purses, career earnings, endorsements, fight records, achievements, and more here.
Cub Swanson’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Kevin Luke “Cub” Swanson |
| Nickname | Cub |
| Birth Date | November 2, 1983 |
| Height | 5′ 8″ (173 cm) |
| Weight | 146 lbs (66 kg) |
| Birthplace | Palm Springs, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| College | – |
| Turned Professional | 2004 |
| Current Net Worth | $5 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Kenda Perez |
| Instagram Profile | @cubswanson |
Cub Swanson was born to a Swedish father and a Mexican mother. His nickname “Cub” originated from his early childhood when his brother could not pronounce his real name and opted to call him Cub instead.
Swanson has 2 older brothers, Steve and Aaron, and 2 sisters, one of whom has Down syndrome. Tragically, his father passed away from melanoma just 3 months after Cub was born.
This led to his mother’s struggle with grief and drug addiction, resulting in Swanson and his siblings being adopted and raised by their father’s cousin, who was deeply religious.
Early Life
Cub Swanson’s athletic pursuits began early with soccer, which he started playing at the age of 4. Alongside his older brother Steve, he excelled in soccer, winning numerous AYSO tournaments in their age divisions.
Swanson’s early life was marked by challenges, including involvement in local gangs and participation in street fights. He also faced legal issues, including being arrested and placed in a juvenile detention center for committing a house robbery.
However, at the age of 19, Swanson began working for United Cerebral Palsy, helping children with disabilities, which marked a turning point in his life.
Professional Career
Cub Swanson’s professional career in mixed martial arts began on July 25, 2004, with his debut fight at Total Combat in Mexico, due to MMA not being sanctioned in California at the time.
Despite losing his first fight to Shannon Gugerty via Rear-Naked Choke in just 30 seconds, Swanson persevered and accumulated 9 wins before making his mark in the WEC in 2007.
Swanson’s extensive career is underscored by his impressive record of 29 wins and 14 losses. His wins include 13 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 12 by decision.
Notably, Swanson has secured 10 fight night bonuses for UFC/WEC featherweight bouts, the highest in combined divisional history.
Throughout his career, Swanson has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. His recent fights include a split decision loss to Andre Fili at UFC 303 and a unanimous decision win over Hakeem Dawodu at UFC on ESPN.
Wife
Cub Swanson’s wife, Kenda Perez, is a model and television host who has been associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and FOX Sports.
Kenda began her career with Maxim magazine before transitioning to the UFC as a host for “The Best of Pride Fighting Championships” in 2009.
She has been married to Cub Swanson since June 1, 2018, and they have 3 children together: a daughter named Royal Rae Swanson, born on August 21, 2017, and identical twin boys named King Cub Swanson and Saint Cub Swanson, born on September 2, 2018.
Cub Swanson’s Net Worth Details
Cub Swanson’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his fight purses, bonuses, and various endorsements.
Fight Purses
| Event | Base Purse | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
| UFC 303: Swanson vs. Fili | $150,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $16,000 | $316,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Dawodu | $120,000 | $100,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $261,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Martinez | $100,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $18,000 | $218,000 |
Earnings
Cub Swanson’s career earnings are estimated to be in the millions, with his highest-paying fights coming from his recent bouts in the UFC. His career earnings include:
- Base Salary: $120,000
- Win Bonuses: $50,000 to $100,000 per fight
- Performance Bonuses: $50,000
- Sponsorships: $20,000 to $50,000 per fight
Endorsements
Swanson has partnered with PowerBilt, a golf club design enterprise, for an exciting sponsorship deal. This partnership highlights his versatility beyond MMA.
Fight Records
| Category | Record |
| Wins | 29 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Knockout Wins | 8 |
| Submission Wins | 2 |
| Decision Wins | 19 |
Achievements
- Most Post-Fight Bonus Awards in UFC Featherweight Division History: 10
- “Fight of the Night” Honors: 11
- Longest Active Career in the UFC Featherweight Division: Since 2010
FAQs
Who is Cub Swanson?
Cub Swanson is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s Featherweight division.
When was Cub Swanson born?
November 2, 1983.
Where was Cub Swanson born?
Palm Springs, California, USA.
What is Cub Swanson’s nickname?
“Cub,” given by his brother who could not pronounce his real name.
How tall is Cub Swanson?
5′ 8″ (173 cm).
What is Cub Swanson’s weight?
146 lbs (66 kg).
Who is Cub Swanson’s wife?
Kenda Perez.
What is Cub Swanson’s net worth?
$5 million.
What are some notable achievements in Cub Swanson’s career?
He has secured 29 victories out of 42 fights, including 13 by knockout and 4 by submission.
What is Cub Swanson known for in his fighting style?
He is known for his exhilarating style, creative striking, and unorthodox techniques, earning him the nickname “Beautiful Destruction”.
