TAMPA, Fla. – Never in a million years did Tampa featherweight Billy Quarantillo actually believe he’d be the co-main event at Amalie Arena when he first turned pro in mixed martial arts close to 15 years ago. But that’s the case Saturday night at UFC FIGHT NIGHT in Tampa.
“It was something that I was dreaming of, but I had so many obstacles when I first moved here in 2010,” Quarantillo said. “I was an 0-1 amateur fighter and I would literally run around Amalie Arena. I would go to the Sabers Lightning games and I’d say, yeah I’m gonna fight here one day. But that was deep in the back of my head. It was like a joke.”
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Quarantillo (18-6) takes on veteran Cub Swanson (29-14) leading up to the main event with Top 10 ranked welterweight contenders Colby Covington vs Joaquin Buckley. Quarantillo can’t imagine what that feeling will be like Saturday night as he walks out into Amalie Arena ready to fight.
“The walk is always something special for me,” Quarantillo said. “It took me over 10 years just to get to the UFC which was a long time goal. But once I get in the cage and Cub’s walking in second, I’ll move around a little bit and I’ll be ready to throw down. That’s what I do best.”
Quarantillo’s last fight was a loss to Youssef Zalal. Swanson is also coming off a loss by way of split decision to Andre Fili. Swanson said it didn’t sit well with him and he was happy to get a call to fight Saturday Night against Quarantillo.
I think he’s (Quarantillo) a great opponent,” Swanson said. “he fights at a pace that I like. He’s gonna come forward. I feel like he’s good standing and on the ground. so am I.”
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The 36-year old Quarantillo has a slight height and age advantage over the 41-year old swanson and believes he’s never worked harder and taken care of his body the way he has for this fight. He can’t wait.
“The universe has a funny way of showing what is possible,” Billy Q said. “I’ve said it all week long. I’m grateful to be here and it really is a dream come true.”
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