Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo Prediction, Picks, Time: UFC Tampa

Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo meet Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 63 co-main event at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Check out this quick review of the fight from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.

Last event: 3-2
UFC Main Card, 2024: 107-93-3

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo UFC on ESPN 63 preview

Swanson (29-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) enters his second fight of the calendar year following a split decision loss to Andre Fili at UFC 303 in June. The UFC Hall of Famer has traded wins and losses over his last 6 fights as he struggles to maintain momentum. Swanson, 41, hasn’t lost back-to-back games since a four-game skid that spanned 2017-19. His last win was a unanimous decision over Hakeem Dawodu last August. … Quarantillo (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC), like his opponent, has experienced mixed results over his last eight fights. His last outing was a submission loss to Youssef Zalal in March. Quarantillo, 36, has never lost back-to-back fights. His last win was a unanimous decision over Damon Jackson last August.

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo UFC on ESPN 63 Expert Picks, Prediction

The co-main event features potential featherweight fireworks between Swanson and Quarantillo.

Despite having all the feel of a crossroads fight at first glance, this fight should be competitive from start to finish.

Don’t let Swanson’s age fool you: The WEC vet still carries crafty striking tricks, and that could build into third rounds.

Quarantillo is also a fighter who builds into fights so that each competitor’s cardio edges can be negated in this contest.

Swanson’s counters will keep him super alive from the start, but Quarantillo’s massive pressure could prove to be the difference.

It’s not a sure pick, but I’ll side with Quarantillo to take a tight split decision from the judges.

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo UFC on ESPN 63 odds

Oddsmakers and the public favor the younger fighter, listing Quarantillo -162 and Swanson +132 via FanDuel.

Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo UFC on ESPN 63 start time, how to watch

As a co-main event, Swanson and Quarantillo are expected to go to the cage at approximately 12:10 p.m. ET. The fight will flow on ESPN+.