By Michael David Smith
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Nov 21, 2009 - Rebounding from a tough loss at UFC 99 in June, Ben Saunders got back on the winning track Saturday night at UFC 106, defeating Marcus Davis by first-round knockout in a fight that showed some off some absolutely vicious knee strikes.
Saunders has worked hard at developing his muay Thai striking, and that showed on Saturday night: Saunders got Davis in the Thai clinch and landed hard knees very early in the first round, bloodying Davis's face in the process. When Davis broke free, Saunders relentlessly pursued him, got the clinch again, and kneed him into unconsciousness. The first-round knockout was the best showing of Saunders' career, and a sharp contrast with the way he fought in his UFC 99 loss to Mike Swick.
"I've been working my clinch a lot. I didn't get to show it to you all in the Swick fight. I apologize to you for that. I knew I had to come out here tonight and represent and make up for that."
Saunders showed respect to the older, more experienced Davis after the fight, saying, "He's got so much talent and experience. I just hope I can be in his position in 10 years."
Davis is now on a two-fight losing streak and, at age 36 with a record of 16-6, is nearing the end of his MMA career. But Saunders, who improved his record to 8-1-2,has big things ahead of him. This was a dominant performance.
MMA FanHouse has UFC 106 results and live UFC 106 Twitter updates.
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UFC 106 Photos
Forrest Griffin kicks Tito Ortiz in the face during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas. Click through to see more exclusive photos from UFC 106.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Tito Ortiz is pumped up for his first fight in 18 months at UFC 106 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin battle on the ground at UFC 106 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin contemplates his next move against Tito Ortiz at UFC 106 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin kicks Tito Ortiz in the face during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas. Click through to see more exclusive photos from UFC 106.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin takes a breather between rounds during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Tito Ortiz fights for ground control against Forrest Griffin at UFC 106 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin punches Tito Ortiz in the stomach during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
The referee steps in between the two fighters after they bumped after the second round at UFC 106 on Saturday, November 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin punches Tito Ortiz in the stomach during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Forrest Griffin attempts to punch Tito Ortiz during their UFC 106 fight on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 in Las Vegas.
Esther Lin, FanHouse
Read More: bensaunders, marcusdavis, ufc 106, ufc106, Ben Saunders (MMA), Marcus Davis (MMA)
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