This coming weekend will feature a number of exciting events with the BAMMA 7 card, the semi-finals of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix, and Bellator’s opener for their fifth season.
Competing in Bellator’s season five welterweight tournament this weekend at Bellator 49 will be former UFC vet Ben ‘Killa B’ Saunders (10-3-2), who meets Hawaiian fighter Chris Cisneros in the opening quarterfinal bout after his original opponent, Rick Hawn, pulled out due to injury.
Saunders is writing his Bellator Blog over at Sherdog.com saying that what some may see as crazy, figthing three times in three months, he sees as an opportunity and relishes the challenge.
I’m fired up to be part of Bellator’s fifth season and to fight in their welterweight tournament. I honestly feel this tournament is stacked with talent and there is no doubt in my mind that this will be the hardest test I have ever faced in my career. Not only is this a huge honor, but it is the challenge I have always wanted and somewhat felt would be a part of my career since watching MMA when it first began. I may have been a little kid when I first thought of this, but nonetheless, being involved in a tournament has always been on my “to do” list. I’m very grateful to have the chance to really see what I can accomplish in my lifetime.
My new opponent is going to be a tough and scrappy Hawaiian named Chris Cisneros. On top of a 13-3 pro record, he also has impressive kickboxing and boxing credentials. Coming out of Hawaii, you know he is gonna be a very game opponent with no hesitation on standing and banging with the best of them. I bet he probably has the love and support of the whole island behind him, which potentially makes for a very prideful and extremely dangerous opponent. Lucky for me, I love a good challenge and am always down for a good scrap. I am just as honored and excited to fight Chris as I was to fight Rick (Hawn).
Be sure to read his entire blog at the link and to follow Saunders on Twitter @bensaunders