Swick makes quick work of Johnson in UFC return

Roughly two-and-a-half years after his loss to Paulo Thiago at UFC 109, Mike “Quick” Swick made his return to the UFC after a health scare and countless setbacks. It took longer than expected, but Swick re-introduced himself to MMA fans in tremendous fashion.

This wasn’t supposed to be Swick’s return to the UFC. After being misdiagnosed with a stomach illness that made it difficult for Swick to cut weight and add muscle, he was in agreement to make his return at UFC Fight Night 23 against David Mitchell on January 22, 2011. Due to a back injury while training Mitchell was forced out of action and Swick, who was still recovering from his misdiagnoses, felt he wouldn’t be healthy enough to fight.

Then, it was announced that Swick would return versus newcomer Erick Silva on August 27 of last year. However, this time it was a knee injury to Swick that caused his return to be put on hold. Swick still continued to train at AKA in San Jose in hopes of putting all roadblocks behind him and get back inside the octagon.

Earlier this year Swick announced he was fully healed and injury free. The UFC obliged and set him up in a return bout versus former TUF finalist DaMarques Johnson at UFC on FOX 4. As the fight date crept closer there was some speculation on if Swick would stay healthy and make his long-awaited return. It was clear that nothing would keep Swick out of the cage this time around and he made his return worth the wait.

Although out of action for over two years, Swick was still considered a dangerous opponent and a force to be reckoned with once he returned. His comeback would be worth the wait for fans watching and those in Los Angeles the Staple Center.

Swick vs. Johnson opened up the main card and quickly delivered. The two traded blows until Johnson shot in for a quick takedown and kept the Swick on his back for the final two minutes of the opening round. If ever there were ever a case for cage rust, it would be for Swick. However, Swick stood his ground and kept the opening round close albeit looking uncomfortable at times.

Any butterflies or nerves Swick might’ve had, quickly faded away once the second round began. Less than 90 seconds into the round, Johnson threw a straight kick but had his leg caught by Swick who took him to the mat. With Johnson on his back, Swick landed three devastating right hands to knock out Johnson and put an end to his return in “quick” fashion.

For the UFC veteran, it was the culmination of over two years of hard work and anticipation that led to a moment of glory. This might have been Swick’s comeback to the UFC, but by no means was this the end of a chapter. Swick was in great shape and his return to the welterweight division adds much more depth to a strong weight class.

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