UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Elkins betting odds, preview, and pick

There will be blood when aging featherweights Cub Swanson and Darren Elkins clash at UFC Fight Night on Saturday, Dec. 18. Let's examine this bout, beginning with the latest betting odds.

Swanson is nearing the end

Swanson has been a mainstay in the UFC for the better part of a decade, but the wear and tear on his body can’t be ignored. We last saw Swanson get rolled over by Giga Chikadze in May, and he was on a brutal losing streak from 2017 to 2019 that set off the warning bells.

Even though he's a shell of his former self, Swanson still brings the heat every night out. He’s beaten a lot of excellent fighters over the course of his career and is still a tough test for emerging talent. However, when they do pass the test, they do so brutally at his expense.

Elkins is also running out of time

Though Swanson has had a long career and is a potential Hall of Famer when he does decide to step away, Elkins is at the end of his rope, still looking for his big night. He’s won his last two fights, which ended a four-fight losing streak.

Elkins may not have the same class as Swanson, but he's got a lot of mileage. Going into this pseudo-retirement match, Elkins has shown that he can rally after absorbing a terrible beating, and his height and reach advantages can serve him well.

Swanson will stick around with a decision win

There aren’t many fights left where Swanson can comfortably win, but Elkins is one of them. Both of these guys are feasibly past their expiration date, but Elkins and his propensity to get worked over gives Swanson the edge.

Whatever these two have left, they’ll be sure to dump it out. Swanson is good enough to avoid putting himself in the line of fire, and he’s going to have someone who’ll come right to him.

Expect Swanson to beat up Elkins, who will be ready to order for the aging veteran. If he starts putting the heat on him, he can simply back off and cruise to a decision, or risk getting caught by a Hail Mary shot that will end his night. Swanson should be smart enough to avoid calamity and make it to the cards.

UFC Fight Night pick: Swanson