Ben Saunders' Bellator Blog, Part 3

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American Top Team fighter Ben Saunders (www.twitter.com/bensaundersMMA) will blog his thoughts and experiences for Sherdog.com as he takes part in Bellator Fighting Championships’ fifth-season welterweight tournament, which continues at Bellator 53 this Saturday, Oct. 8, on MTV2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Well, it's almost that time again. I will admit that this tournament format is definitely a very interesting way to get a title shot. There are so many factors involved, and it really seems like the true Iron Man comes out on top.

It causes most fighters to possibly come up with different game plans or strategies that they might possibly not normally utilize. It might also make some people try to come up with ways to take the least damage yet get the win or to maybe go balls to the wall to try and finish the fights fast and fierce to move on to the next round with the mindset of damaging their opponent before they themselves get damaged. It definitely leads to a lot of anticipation for the fans of not knowing what to expect.

Now, me on the other hand, I look at it a third way: I personally say, “What tournament?” There are no other fights, just the one in front of me. I don't want to change who I am and how I fight by thinking ahead of myself. In this sport of MMA, there is no sure thing; one overhand right from a scared nobody with his eyes closed could end the fight against a world champion.

There are so many factors in this game, so many ways to win and lose, so it's crazy to think about potential other fights or matchups. I stay focused on the task at hand and the opponent who will be standing across from me when that cage closes. I also fight a certain way, just because that is me. When I fight, it is an expression of me and who I am. That is when I get to become an artist, using my tools to make a masterpiece of techniques and movements, while utilizing my opponent’s face and body as my canvas.

I am the kind of fighter that believes in what I am doing more than anything and won't deny myself the opportunity or hold myself back from being me because of other factors that might be on the line. I am and have been a starving artist; I’ve been living that lifestyle since I was a child. I won't change myself for money, fame or anything. Win, lose, or draw, I will always come to fight. I am that fighter.

Come Saturday night, things will be no different. I face a great challenge and opponent in Luis Santos. I respect him and believe it to be an honor to test myself against him. Once that cage closes, I will be all business … and maybe a little fun, too. I can’t help it, I just love what I do.

I want to give a big shout out to my coaches Paul Rodriguez and Bobby Robare, as well as all my teammates and family at American Top Team. I don't just represent myself when I fight, but all the hard work they have contributed into me and my career, as well.

Also, thanks to Yoked Up Apparel, my main sponsor, for believing in me and my skills. Make sure to show your support and represent by getting my official “Killa B” walk-out shirt today, on sale until Oct. 8 at YokedUpApparel.com.

Same goes for my chiropractors and the Affinity Health & Wellness Center, as well my friends at a href=”http://www.TSMStudio.com”>TSM Studio. Anyone needing website, audio, video and multimedia projects handled, they’re your guys. They can do it all.

Most importantly: for my fans, you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook, as well as my official website to keep up with my life, training and fights.

I run them personally and try to respond and maintain contact with everyone, so come shoot the "shiz."