Mike Swick Expecting Welterweight Title Shot?
In a recent interview with Kelvin Hunt at MMAforReal.com, UFC welterweight Mike Swick discussed his upcoming fight and hopes for a “Quick” title shot.
Swick has an upcoming fight this June at UFC 99 against Ben Saunders and hopes a victory there will put him over the top and earn him that No. 1 contender spot.
Kelvin Hunt- You’ll be fighting Ben Saunders at UFC 99 in what should be an exciting fight since both of you guys usually come to fight. He’s a pretty big guy and does he bring anything to the table that could present problems for you?
Mike Swick- Yes, I think it will be very exciting! He is a tough opponent who is scrappy and likes to clinch and bang. I definitely will want to bang so it should be good!
Kelvin Hunt-You’ve put together 3 wins in a row since moving down to 170.
Most people have you right outside the top ten in the division, and some have you just inside the top ten. Your two AKA teammates are ranked higher with Fitch as the #3 and Koshcheck between #4 and #7 by most depending on who you ask.
I know you are not looking past Ben Saunders at UFC 99. However, do you think it’s fair to say that you should have to fight and beat at least one of your AKA teammates on your path towards earning a title shot in the welterweight division?
Mike Swick- I just fight who they tell me. Ben’s name came up as an available opponent and I said ok. I think an exciting win in Germany will grant me a title shot. At least, thats what I hope.
Personally, I’m not sure why Swick would even consider himself in the running for a shot at the title at this point.
Since losing his last fight at middleweight to Yushin Okami, swick has defeated Josh Burkman, Marcus Davis and Jonathan Goulet in his three fights at welterweight.
Of that group only Davis is of note as both Burkman and Goulet are no longer with the promotion. Also, as was stated in the interview question, both Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck are easily more deserving of a title shot than is Swick.
There is nothing wrong with dreaming big and having high hopes, but let’s be a bit realistic here.
So that brings up the question, how far away is Mike Swick from getting a title shot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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