UFC Fight Night 108 results: Biggest winners, loser from ‘Swanson vs. Lobov’ last night in Nashville

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to action last night (Sat., April 22, 2017) for UFC: “Swanson vs. Lobov,” which took place inside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee airing live on FOX Sports 1. The promotion's latest mixed martial arts (MMA) card was headlined by a Featherweight fight that saw Cub Swanson defeat Artem Lobov after five tough rounds of action (see it again here). Also, Al Iaquinta made quick work of Diego Sanchez, knocking “Lionheart” out in the very first round with a vicious right hand (video highlights here) to earn his fifth straight win.

Biggest winner: Al Iaquinta

Like Chan Sung Jung proved a few months ago, Al Iaquinta showed that ring rust just doesn’t exist. After two years away from action due to one failed drug test by Gilbert Melendez, followed by a contract dispute with UFC, “Raging” returned with a vengeance, knocking out longtime veteran and fan-favorite Diego Sanchez in the very first round of their co-main event Lightweight bout. That is now five straight wins for Iaquinta, including his previous win over top Welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal. The win will give Al some huge leverage once he goes back into the war room to talk turkey with the UFC higher-ups, and will also earn him a bigger fight in his next outing.

Runner (s) Up: Cub Swanson and Ovince Saint Preux

Most expected Cub to defeat Lobov rather handily in the headlining act; but Artem proved to be a game opponent, absorbing punishment and hanging tough for five rounds though ultimately coming up short on the scorecards. With four straight wins and back-to-back “Fight of the Night” awards, plus a baby on the way, things are good for Swanson. And if all goes his way, he could get a title fight against the winner of the upcoming title unification bout against Jose Aldo and Max Holloway, which is set to go down in a few months at UFC 212. Looking down the list, I don’t see anyone more deserving of a title shot.

Saint Preux was staring down the barrel of a pink slip, as losing four in a row would’ve been devastating for his chances to hang on to his spot on the UFC roster; seeing as how the promotion isn’t shy about trimming fat. But, “OSP” earned himself some new life after choking out Marcos Rogerio de Lima (see it) in their Light Heavyweight bout. After the bout, Saint Preux called out Dana White to send the contract and show him the money, hinting at the possibility of signing an extension — for presumably more money -- with the promotion.

Biggest Loser: Jake Ellenberger

It hasn’t been the best couple of years for Jake, as he has now lost four of his last five outings since 2015, including back-to-back losses which his devastating knockout defeat to Mike Perry in Nashville. His losing streak puts him at a crossroads in his career, as “The Juggernaut” will have to go back to the drawing board and contemplate his next move rather carefully. Does he change divisions? Or does he stay put at 170 to try and right his sinking ship? There’s a lot for Jake to think about moving forward, especially after such a brutal defeat.

For complete UFC Fight Night 108 results and coverage click here.