UFC-Tonight-logoOn UFC TONIGHT, hosts Kenny Florian and Chael Sonnen preview the upcoming UFC FIGHT NIGHT: SWANSON VS. STEPHENS and interview the headliners Cub Swanson and Jeremy Stephens. Plus, Ariel Helwani and Karyn Bryant add reports.

UFC TONIGHT’s Kenny Florian on Jeremy Stephens keeping his power at 145: “I didn’t think he’d be so impressive because of the weight cut, but he’s proved me so wrong. He’s won every fight at 145 and done it in devastating fashion. We knew he had power at 155 and could knock you out, but he’s carried the power down to 145. 

UFC TONIGHT’s Chael Sonnen on Cub Swanson’s streak: “This guy is on an absolute roll, and is doing it later in his career like Vitor Belfort or Robbie Lawler. He’s the more dynamic of the two fighters. He’ll fight you with his knees, with his fists, big leg kicks and will fight you anywhere. He’s been on fire. But he has to get through the heavy hands of Stephens on Saturday night.”

Florian on Swanson: “He has a lot of tools in the toolbox. He’s fearless and will try anything and everything in the Octagon. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC.”

Sonnen on Swanson’s keys to victory: “I think he’s the more diverse of the two fighters. He needs to control the range, mix in the takedowns, and use his jiu jitsu and look for finishes.”

Florian on Stephen’s keys to victory: “You can’t sleep on the wrestling against Stephens, and he’s got crazy knockout power. His keys are he wants to make it a brawl. He has to stop the takedown of Swanson’s excellent jiu jitsu, and he has to mix it up.”

Cub Swanson on Stephens saying that Cub only gets TKOs, but Stephens gets KOs: “I’ve always said maybe I don’t hit that hard, but I’m pretty accurate, I keep a gnarly pace and it doesn’t matter how I’m getting the W’s.”

Swanson on how the fight will end: “It ends with his missing me because of my head movement and me taking it to him.

Swanson on how he’s prepared for fighting in the five-round main event: “I prepared for five rounds early in my camp, but I’ve forgotten about that now. I’m just preparing for two rounds because that’s all I need.”

Swanson on why he should get a title shot with a win: “This would be six wins in a row for me. I’m on point, looking sharp, I’m hungry and it’s my time. This is 11 years in the making, and it’s about time I get the title shot.”

Jeremy Stephens on how he’ll beat Swanson:  “I think I can dominate him in all areas. I feel like I’m the better overall MMA fighter and I have the power on the feet. I just have to go out there and prove it.”

Stephens on what’s changed moving down to the 145 weight class: “I feel like I’m a completely different fighter. You have to be willing to evolve and adapt. I’m a lot more powerful at 145.”

Stephens on why he should be a contender for the title: “I can adapt to anyone’s style in the division. I’m strong and fast and just as explosive and feel like I have the power to knock out the champion.”

Insider Ariel Helwani on Holly Holm and Gina Carano: “Talks with Holly Holm are in a good place and progressing. The talks with Gina Carano have stalled. She’s a free agent at this time.”

Helwani on Vitor Belfort’s next fight: “Vitor’s wife says Vitor has set his sights on the winner of Chris Weidman vs. Lyoto Machida and wants to focus on the middleweight title, and the UFC has told them he will get a shot.”

Helwani on Dominick Cruz’s return: “I talked to Dominick Cruz’s manager, and they’ve zeroed in on late August or September for his return and they’re looking at Takeya Mizugaki to fight next. Mizugaki’s people love that fight. He’s recovering from ear surgery and will be available late September.”

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