In some UFC weight classes, a 3-1 record would have you in title contention. However, for welterweight Ben Saunders (19-7-2, 7-4 UFC) it has him pulling guard for a different fight promotion. News came out this morning that the UFC has cut Saunders despite a mostly successful return to the organization.
Saunders, who fights out of American Top Team and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo Libório, is known for his unorthodox grappling. In fact “Killa B” pulled off the first omoplata in UFC history back in 2014 against Chris Heatherly.
It doesn’t appear Saunders will be out of action long, however. He has a fight lined up at the Treasure Island Casino, September 9, against another former UFC vet, Jacob Volkman (19-6, 6-4 UFC). (DETAILS)
Analysis: It’s always unfortunate when an organization, which came into existence under the idea of finding the most effective fighting discipline, cuts one of the most skilled fighters in a certain discipline. It is true Saunders’ striking never matched his slick BJJ. However, that BJJ style was so unique that it can be argued Saunders had no current equal at welterweight when the fight got to the mat (the two welterweights who would gladly tangle with him on the ground fight for WSOF and One FC – Jake Shields and Ben Askren). At 33, this was likely the last we will have seen Ben Saunders in the UFC.
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