Jonathan Martinez stops Cub Swanson with brutal leg kicks at UFC Vegas 62 (Video)

UFC Vegas 62: Jonathan Martinez defeated Cub Swanson.

Jonathan Martinez defeated Cub Swanson via TKO (leg kick), Round 2 – 4:19 at UFC Vegas 62 on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, live from the UFC APEX In Las Vegas, NV.

“I just worked so hard for this and it’s starting to pay off. Just trying to get better every day. I want to get this fight. I know Dominick Cruz is here and I want to get that fight,” said Martinez in his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. Brendan Fitzgerald asked Cruz what he thought of the call out. Cruz was very complimentary of Martinez but non-committal on a potential fight.

Martinez pushed the action early but slipped on a kick attempt and engaged in a clinch against the fence. Swanson attacked with a pair of leg kicks. Martinez went back with a body kick as the two continued to trade. Swanson change levels and landed the first takedown of the fight. Martinez worked his way back up to his feet. The two continued to trade strikes and kicks. Martinez landed a massive knee with just over 10 seconds remaining in the round. The knee dropped Swanson and Martinez went in for the finish landing several strikes and forcing Swanson to cover up until the horn sounded. Referee Herb Dean gave Swanson the benefit of the doubt, allowing Swanson to see the second round.

Martinez exploded out of his corner dropping Swanson again. On the ground, Swanson was able to slow the fight down and eventually made his way back to his feet. The two fighters again trade powerful punches and kicks. Martinez dropped Swanson with a powerful leg kick but Swanson was able to stand up again. The damage was done. Martinez landed another powerful leg. Immediately, Swanson dropped in pain and rolled over. Martinez moved in and landed a shot but was pulled off by Dean who stopped the fight.

Martinez made his UFC debut in 2018 and has steadily risen the ranks. The 28-year-old Los Angeles native entered the UFC Apex on a three-fight winning streak and had won five of his previous six fights. The victory over Swanson is the biggest of Martinez’s career and makes him a fighter to watch moving forward.

Swanson has been a fixture on the UFC roster since his promotional debut on Nov. 12, 2011. Saturday’s fight marked the 22nd in the UFC Octagon for Swanson, who turns 39 next month. Swanson entered Saturday’s contest with three wins in his last four fights. Despite losing in his bantamweight debut, Swanson will look to bounce back in his next fight.

UFC Vegas 62: Alexa Grasso vs. Viviane Araujo takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, live from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA, who is on-site, for all your news and highlights.