Steve Swanson doesn't think about the future the way he once did, and everything in his world is better because of it.

With brother Cub a power player in the ranks of the UFC's featherweight division, there seemed to be an unseen clock ticking loudly gauging when Steve would join him on the sport's biggest stage. Swanson had done everything right--key wins in big fights, victory found impressively--but the open invite from the prominent promotion in mixed martial arts never came.

And the impact rippled through Swanson's world.

Rather keeping his focus to simply staying the course and grinding ahead, Swanson began to feel as if the lingering future began to influence everything he touched. And if there's anything to know about the men in the fighting Swanson family...they aren't easily moved by anyone.

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"For the last few years I've really worried and wondered about [going to UFC] and it's never done anything positive for me. I'm done with all of that and just focused on enjoying the ride. I enjoy the training and again and I'm looking forward to this fight. I'm not worried about that stuff anymore and if it happens...what a blessing, man. If not, I still get to come out there and perform in front of all those great people and put on a show.

The highly touted bantamweight prospect has his eyes on the proverbial prize and is ready to carve a path of destruction en route to making his fighting dreams come true. The first step of this new plan takes shape against Andrew Natividad at California Fight League 12 on Saturday night on FloCombat.

Swanson is ready to rep the family name strong and flex his skills on home turf.

"I'm so ready to put on a show," Swanson said. "I literally had two weeks to prepare for my last fight in Mexico City that was at 8,500 ft. elevation. I had ten weeks to prepare for this fight and it's a huge difference. I feel great and confident, and on top of that...I'm at home. I'm fighting for a new organization and there's a lot of good things coming. I'm excited.

"I'm going to be searching for dude's jaw in there. I'm going to feel things out to get started, but once I settle in I'm looking to put him away. I'm going to find his jaw and get the finish, but I'm expecting a war in there until I put him down."

In addition to the resume Steve and Cub have built in the sport, the brothers Swanson are not the only ones in their crew drawing eyes these days. Working out of Tru MMA, the "Doom Squad" is made up of a collective of gritty talents the likes of Carlos Puente Jr, Troy Guerrero and Gareth de la Cruz and there's never a doubt to the scrap they bring into each fight.

Swanson is incredibly proud of his crew and believes the best is yet to come in regard to their collective and individual success.
"We have a great squad and it's on the rise," Swanson said. "The best part of this fight is the fact my friends and family will be there to support. They all get to hang out and have a good time while we put on some badass fights. It's super cool.

"Our whole team is making a name for themselves and it's awesome to see. Each one of these guys are different and exciting in their own way. I can't wait until these guys are in the upper levels putting in that work.

"I definitely turn the switch on in there," he added in conclusion. "Not that [Cub] doesn't because that kid is amazing, but I just turn into a little pitbull when things go live. I'm not to be trifled with and fans are going to see that this weekend."