UFC Utica results: Ben Saunders finishes Jake Ellenberger in first round

One longtime veteran was destined to rebuild his momentum at another’s expense in the UFC Utica welterweight showdown between Ben Saunders and Jake Ellenberger.

Unfortunately for Ellenberger, Saunders is the one who came out on top.

Saunders landed a wickedly efficient knee to the liver in the clinch to finish their bout in just 1:56 on Friday night.

The fight, for what it was, was contested at a frenetic pace, with both fighters landing shots. Ellenberger tied up Saunders by the fence and was looking to land an uppercut when Saunders landed his big blow. Referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in and waved it off before Saunders could do more damage.

“When my mind is on, there is no one who can defeat me,” Saunders said.

Saunders, who snapped a two-fight losing streak, improved to 22-9-2. Ellenberger (31-14) has lost three straight fights, all via finish, and five of his past six.