Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo prediction, pick, start time for UFC on ESPN 63

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

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 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 past 6 fights as he struggles to maintain momentum. Swanson, 41, has not lost back-to-back fights since a four-fight skid which stretched from 2017-19. His last victory was a unanimous decision over Hakeem Dawodu last August. … Quarantillo (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC), much like his opponent, has experienced mixed results over his last eight fights. His last outing was a submission loss vs. 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 pick, prediction

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

Despite this having all the feels 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 swagger and that can build into third rounds.

Quarantillo is also a fighter who builds into fights, so each competitor’s cardio edges could be nullified in this contest.

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

It’s not a confident 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

The oddsmakers and public are favoring 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 the co-main event, Swanson and Quarantillo are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 12:10 a.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.