A pair of UFC legends headlined Saturday’s BKFC KnuckleMania VI at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, as former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski faced off against BKFC heavyweight champ “Big” Ben Rothwell.
Rothwell, never more than a contender in the UFC, had still been a popular fighter, and appeared to have found a new lease on his fighting life in bareknuckle, going 4-0 for BKFC.
Arlovski, 47, was 1-0 in bareknuckle (and 1-0 as a boxer) as he entered a title fight over 20 years after winning the UFC crown. Ageless wonder indeed. Though at 44, Rothwell was no spring chicken himself.
The pair had met twice previously, with Arlovski defeating “Big Ben” twice in MMA.
Not a lot of feeling out, as the two big men got right down to work in the Knuckle Mania VI main event. Arlovski had Ben in trouble early, landing a hook and backing him up to the ropes. A couple of clinches followed, then Rothwell swung wild and missed. Arlovski punched his way in, finding more success. Rothwell, however, connected to the side of the head with a right hand. Another right hand would see Rothwell stagger back prior to the bell to end round one.
The second started scrappy, with both men firing frequently. Rothwell landed a counter, but Arlovski repeatedly found a home for his right hand. “The Pitbull” had his jab going as well, and looked to be the faster man. Rothwell was cut open, blood running down his forehead and around his eye.
The back half of round two was all Arlovski, with Rothwell frequently under fire. And starting round three, the ringside physician was brought in to check the damage on Rothwell, particularly around his eye, though he was allowed to continue.
Arlovski had plenty of pep in his step in the third, driving forward repeatedly, working his right hand with his jab. Big Ben was bleeding again, face a crimson mask. That brought the doctor in again, and this time, he called it. Tons of damage on Rothwell, while Arlovski appeared to barely have a scratch. Solid movement for a 47-year old who clearly came prepared.
The ageless Andrei Arlovski does it again, earning the BKFC heavyweight title at the promotion’s flagship event.
Official Result: Andrei Arlovski def. Ben Rothwell by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 3, 1:14
