"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."
Andrei Arlovski, 47, challenged BKFC heavyweight champion 'Big' Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania VI in Philadelphia. Rothwell entered 4-0 in BKFC and had been a popular contender after a long UFC career. Arlovski, 1-0 in bareknuckle and 1-0 as a boxer, used speed, a sharp jab and a powerful right hand to control the action. Rothwell was cut repeatedly, bleeding heavily around his forehead and eye. The ringside physician checked Rothwell twice in round three before stopping the fight due to the severity of the cuts, awarding Arlovski the victory and the title.
Read at Cageside Press
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