Veteran UFC featherweight Cub Swanson loves the sweet science. He just isn’t keen on starting over again.

Swanson (25-10 MMA, 10-6 UFC), who fights Shane Burgos on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 9, once asked UFC president Dana White if he could transition to the squared circle by rematching Jose Aldo. White has long sought to do the same with Zuffa boxing.

“‘That’s funny,’” White said, according to Swanson. “‘I’d rather watch you guys fight MMA.’”

Swanson would too, and so he continues to work toward that goal. He needs to get himself out of a slump first.

After three straight losses, Swanson is firmly in the territory where he’s gambling with his UFC career in every appearance. Despite a reputation as a fan favorite, continued losses could spell the end.

A move back to Southern California to work with now-disgraced ex-champ T.J. Dillashaw and coach Sam Calavitta left the Palm Springs native stronger than ever. But it also dulled the technical skills that made him stand out in the cage.

“Part of that was buying in 100 percent, and trying different systems,” he said. “Sometimes when you’re trying to do that, the things you already used to be really good at get put on the back burner. Once you realize, I made these things better, but I shouldn’t have changed these things, you learn and move on.”

Swanson sought to bounce back and said yes to three unnamed opponents, who all turned him down citing scheduling difficulties. He demanded a fight from the UFC and got Burgos (11-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), an unranked talent with a penchant for slugging it out.

Burgos was one of two fighters the UFC offered with his demand, and Swanson knew he would be the only one to volunteer.

“If you watch his fighting style, you know he’s game,” Swanson said. “So I knew he would say yes. That’s what makes me excited about it.”

There will very likely be plenty of boxing when Swanson and Burgos face off. This time, Swanson will be ready.

“I feel like I haven’t shown the best of my ability in my last couple of fights,” Swanson said. “So that’s been a frustration of mine, and that’s something I’ve been working super hard to get back to.”

Swanson hasn’t forgotten about his love of boxing, even though he estimates his body couldn’t withstand a career in the ring. And for the money he’d get as a newcomer, it doesn’t make sense.

Until White comes calling with a fat Zuffa boxing contract, Swanson is staying put.

“If I was getting paid enough to equal what I was doing in six or seven MMA fights, then yeah,” Swanson said. “But I don’t think (my wife) would be on board with it.”

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