Persistence has never been an issue for Ben Saunders.
Twice released by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 7 alum made a triumphant return to the promotion at UFC Fight Night “Rodriguez vs. Penn” and did so against the odds. Saunders -- a modest +120 underdog, according to BetDSI.com -- took a three-round unanimous decision from Court McGee (-140), earning 29-28 nods from all three judges on Sunday at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.
Kicks were the story for Saunders. He unleashed a seemingly endless string of them, zeroing in on McGee’s legs, arms, body and head.