UFC knockout of the month for December 2024: Cub Swanson finishing Billy Quarantillo in what could be his last octagon outing ever

The UFC Tampa event went down in Tampa, Florida, on Dec. 14, 2024. It was co-headlined by Cub Swanson scoring a thunderous walk-off knockout against Billy Quarantillo. The KO was not only one of the best of the 2024 calendar year but also came toward the end of a bonafide edge-of-the-seat thriller matchup -- a vintage performance by Swanson.

The month of December 2024 witnessed multiple noteworthy knockouts, but the gravitas of Swanson's stoppage victory, the back-and-forth nature of the fight en route to the knockout, and the fact that it was possibly his last octagon appearance have made it our pick for UFC KO of the month.

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UFC knockout of the month for December 2024: Cub Swanson vs. Billy Quarantillo

The 41-year-old Cub Swanson entered the featherweight bout against Billy Quarantillo amid widespread speculation that it might be his final MMA bout. Swanson had alluded to it before the UFC Tampa event.

'Killer' Cub being a longtime fan favorite courtesy of his exciting style, also received considerable appreciation from fight fans, as many anticipated that it could be his UFC swansong. As for the fight itself, his opponent was a fellow veteran fighter, the Florida-based Quarantillo, who was looking to secure a victory over a legend on his home turf.

Round one started with both fighters going at an incredible pace, landing huge punches on one another. There were also a variety of kicks thrown by them, albeit none landed flush. They even switched stances and utilized footwork to set up their punches, but time and again ended up getting into risky phone booth exchanges.

Swanson seemed to have the upper hand in the round, repeatedly landing the right hand, but Quarantillo fired back with a few good punches toward the end and even secured a takedown but couldn't do much with it.

The second round saw similarly risky striking exchanges, with Swanson defending a takedown and then catching his foe with a right hand. However, a major moment was when Quarantillo apparently stunned the legend with a thudding knee to the head. To his credit, Swanson did his best to roll with the following strikes and use his footwork and counters to buy some time and clear the cobwebs.

Quarantillo then got a takedown, but the fight soon returned to the feet and ended with both exchanging heavy leather.

Round three saw Swanson stuff a takedown from Quarantillo. 'Killer' Cub craftily rolled and slipped off the center line and got to a good angle against his opponent. Swanson then landed a left hook followed by a right hand that sent his foe crashing to the mat. Referee Jason Herzog swiftly waved the fight off. Swanson thereby emerged victorious via KO at the 1:36-minute mark of round three.

After his win, Swanson suggested that it was likely his final MMA fight. During the post-fight press conference, he implied that the victory could be his career's "storybook ending," adding that it'll take something really exciting to make him return.

The UFC Hall of Famer signaled that though he'd be happy to devote more time to his family, focus on his children, and manage and coach fighters, he hasn't completely ruled out a comeback.

Watch Cub Swanson's KO below: