Ben Saunders Returns to the UFC, Faces Chris Heatherly at UFC Fight Night 49 in Tulsa

Former Ultimate Fighter season six competitor and seven-fight UFC veteran Ben “Killa B” Saunders (16-6-2) will return to the Octagon for the first time since 2010 on Aug. 23, when he takes on UFC newcomer Chris Heatherly (8-1) in a UFC Fight Night 49 welterweight bout in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

UFC officials announced the bout on Monday.

SEE ALSO: UFC Fight Night 49 Event Page

Following his stint on The Ultimate Fighter, Saunders debuted in the UFC in December 2007 and strung together a three-fight winning streak before losing to Mike Swick at UFC 99. Saunders rebounded from the loss with a knockout win over Marcus Davis in his next outing, but after losing back-to-back fights to Jon Fitch and Dennis Hallman, he was released by the promotion in 2010.

Saunders signed with Bellator MMA in early 2011 and put together a 7-3 record over his last ten fights. He signed a deal with Titan Fighting Championships in June and was scheduled to fight for the vacant TFC title on Aug. 22. That fight was scrapped when the UFC called. TFC granted Saunders permission to return to the Octagon.

Heatherly (8-1, 1 NC) is currently riding a four-fight unbeaten streak and will be making his promotional debut against Saunders. Heatherly last fought on July 25, defeating Josh Caven by guillotine choke at Resurrection Fighting Alliance 16.

UFC Fight Night 49 takes place at BOK Center in Tulsa on Aug. 23. Former lightweight champion Benson Henderson takes on Rafael dos Anjos in the featured attraction.

The event will make the first time the UFC has held an event in Tulsa since UFC 4 in 1994.

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