A pair of UFC legends headlined BKFC KnuckleMania VI at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, as former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski took on BKFC heavyweight champion “Big” Ben Rothwell.
Never more than a contender in the UFC, Rothwell was still a popular fighter and seemed to have found new life in his fighting life with a 4-0 win for BKFC.
Arlovski, 47, was 1-0 in baroque wrestling (and 1-0 as a boxer) when he entered a title fight 20 years after winning the UFC crown. Timeless wonder indeed. Although at age 44, Rothwell himself was no spring chicken.
The pair had met twice before, with Arlovski defeating “Big Ben” twice in MMA.
There wasn’t much feeling as the two big men went straight to work in the Knuckle Mania VI main event. Arlovski got Ben in trouble early by landing a hook and holding him against the ropes. A few clinches followed, after which Rothwell swung wildly and missed. Arlovski pushed his way in and found more success. However, Rothwell connected to the side of the head with his right hand. Another right hand would see Rothwell staggered before the bell to end the first round.
The second started messily, with both men shooting regularly. Rothwell scored a counter, but Arlovski repeatedly found space for his right hand. “The Pitbull” also had his jab and seemed to be the faster man. Rothwell was cut open and blood flowed down his forehead and around his eye.
The back half of round two was all Arlovski, with Rothwell regularly under fire. And from round three, the ringside doctor was called in to check the damage to Rothwell, especially around his eye, although he was allowed to continue.
Arlovski had plenty of pep in his step in the third, driving forward repeatedly and working his jab with his right hand. Big Ben bled again, wearing a crimson mask. That brought the doctor in again, and this time he called. Tons of damage to Rothwell, while Arlovski barely seemed to have a scratch. Solid move for a 47-year-old who was clearly prepared.
The ageless Andrei Arlovski does it again, earning the BKFC heavyweight title at the promotion’s flagship event.
Official result: Andrei Arlovski defeated. Ben Rothwell by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), round 3, 1:14
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