If there is such a thing as peace of mind to be found in the fight game Cub Swanson has found it.The UFC featherweight staple has experienced the spotlight from all angles on a journey that has come with its fair share of twists and turns. Swanson has been the fighter with potential unfulfilled, just the same as he's been the surging contender deserving of a title shot.And while the SoCal native has worn many hats throughout his career, the one constant has been adversity. Each new chapter has come with hardship, but in a strange way, Swanson has come to appreciate the path of most resistance.Time and time again Swanson has been forced to overcome and endure, and his ability to do so has brought a sense of peace into his life."I just need to be happy with myself and I am right now," Swanson said. "I'm doing it on my terms and fighting because I love it. That's the most important part of my focus. If I focus on improving myself and staying happy with the things I invest my energy into then it all works out."I'll continue to be motivated and the people who have always supported me will continue to do so. I can just be me and not have to do anything to try to make waves or get new fans who weren't already excited to follow my career."Aug 6, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Cub Swanson (red gloves) and Tatsuya Kawajiri (blue gloves) fight during UFC Fight Night at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Swanson won via unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsWhile Swanson's run to the top of the featherweight division hit a rough patch in 2015, his current campaign has reclaimed some traction. Swanson has won back-to-back showings inside the Octagon, with his most recent victory coming over game veteran Tatsuya Kawajiri at Fight Night 92 in Salt Lake City.Two consecutive wins have Swanson back in the groove. Burgeoning winning streaks are often accompanied by discussions on rankings, title shots and other opportunities that are important to a fighter's career. But Swanson found late-career peace by doing one simple thing: he stopped caring about titles."I know it sounds cliche, but taking things one fight at a time is all I can realistically do," Swanson said. "The possibility of me ever getting any type of title shot, or being actually offered one which has never happened in my entire career, is something that's unlikely to happen. Don't get me wrong, if it was offered I'd take it, but remaining active and winning fights then stepping up when someone else gets injured seems to be the only way."Look at that scenario and tell me why I should get caught up in something like that? I can't control those things. All I can do is continue to work towards being the best fighter I can be and keep winning fights. I'm cool with it. I'll keep doing what I can do."Aug 6, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Cub Swanson (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Tatsuya Kawajiri (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Swanson won via unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsSwanson's push for personal growth has brought a lot of things into perspective. Like a page out of a Chuck Palahniuk novel he's found a way to truly let the things that do not matter slide, while keeping what does close to the vest."I've always said I didn't want to do this to be famous," Swanson said. "I never wanted to feel that I had to convince anyone I was something I wasn't, or go to great lengths to say I deserved something. Give me a fight and I'll fight. I'm going to put on a show and do my best to dominate. I'm going to fight with a lot of emotion and do the best I can possibly do."When I'm allowed to do that, and I'm given those opportunities, I'll make something special happen. I don't have room for people breathing down my neck saying I need to call people out or beg for this or that. I've never needed that and I never will. I'm the kind of person where if I deserve something then give it to me, but if I don't then don't."Some people have written me off and that's on them," he added. "The people who have been down with me from day one--the hardcore Cub Swanson fans--have never stopped believing. Those are the people I fight for."Aug 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Cub Swanson weighs in against Tatsuya Kawajiri (not pictured) for UFC Fight Night at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsWith a sharpened focus and a renewed sense of self Swanson is pushing onward. He'll continue to refine his approach, tweak his game where adjustments need to be made, and all of this will be done on his terms and his way. That's the method Swanson has found to suit him best and further proof that his personal process is working."After every fight you have to dissect your style and who you are as a fighter," Swanson said. "You have to rebuild because this game is trial and error. I've sat down, put my focus on things I needed to better and I believe I've shown improvement in those areas. Because of that I'm very happy and satisfied, but it's still not a masterpiece. I still know I can be better."I'd love to get one more fight in this year and finish the year 3-0. I feel that would really put me back on my feet and allow me to keep rolling through. I have big things happening for me with my gym opening up this year and a lot of other things I'm involved in. I always tell myself all these plans I have are much easier to execute when I'm winning fights and that's become my biggest motivation."