The UFC re-signed Ben Saunders (pictured) last week and wasted no time in issuing the welterweight his first assignment. On Monday, it was announced Saunders will welcome octagon rookie Chris Heatherly to the big leagues at UFC Fight Night Tulsa.
The August 23 event takes place inside BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Saunders emerged onto the MMA scene as a contestant on “The Ultimate Fighter 6″ back in 2007. He posted a 4-3 mark under the UFC’s watch and was let go in August 2010 after dropping two straight scraps.
“Killa B” has won eight of his 11 fights since leaving the UFC.
Heatherly joins the UFC with a 8-1 (1 NC) record. July’s submission on Josh Cavan at RFA 16 earned him a crack at the big time.
Here is the event’s current lineup:
Preliminary Card:
Chris Heatherly vs. Ben Saunders
Beneil Dariush vs. Tony Martin
Walmir Lazaro vs. James Vick
Timothy Elliott vs. Wilson Reis
Alex Garcia vs. Neil Magny
Main Card:
Tom Niinimaki vs. Chas Skelly
Mirsad Bektic vs. Max Holloway
Francis Carmont vs. Thales Leites
Jordan Mein vs. Mike Pyle
Rafael dos Anjos vs. Benson Henderson