This the live blog for Ben Rothwell vs. Andrei Arlovski, the BKFC heavyweight championship main event for KnuckleMania 6 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. It’s the third time the fighters compete in a combat sports contest.
After parting ways with the UFC in 2021, Rothwell took his talents to the world of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is 4-0 with four finishes — including three in under 45 seconds. In his most recent bout, Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight title with a 36-second knockout of Mick Terrill at KnuckleMania 5. Rothwell also holds a BKFC knockout win over fellow UFC vet Todd Duffee.
Arlovski has been all over the combat sports world since he ended his most recent tenure with the UFC — competing for BKFC, Dirty Boxing, and Misfits Boxing. In his BKFC debut, the former UFC heavyweight champion stopped Josh Copeland in the fourth round at BKFC 76 this past June. “The Pit Bull” defeated Rothwell in both of their matchups, with one taking place in the UFC and the other on the very first Affliction event.
Check out the Ben Rothwell vs. Andrei Arlovski KnuckleMania 6 live blog below.
According to the few sports books that carry BKFC odds, Ben Rothwell closes as around a -225 favorite to retain his title, with the comeback on Arlovski at around +175.
It’s been a pretty solid card, overall. Certainly not the best BKFC has brought to the table, but certainly not the worst either. The pacing has been pretty tough, honestly. BKFC usually leads the way in great card pacing, going from fight-to-fight with very little break in-between.
Tonight, a lot of extra desk time, and things that dragged it on a bit too much. Was it as bad as we’ve seen from the UFC or PFL? No. But this has probably been the worst it’s been in quite some time.
I’ll go with Ben Rothwell. He’s younger, he’s fought better competition since their UFC runs came to an end, but this is a weird sport where the unexpected can happen.
Andrei Arlovski has made his way to the ring. Rothwell, dressed like a druid, is slowly — and I mean SLOWLY — walking to the ring.
Ring announcer just said over 18,000 people in attendance for the card. That’s pretty damn good. The challenger has been introduced, and now the champion. We’re moments away.
The bell rings and we’re under way. Feeling each other out a bit, some swings and misses. Good jab from Arlovvski, and a nice overhand right sends Rothwell backwards into the ropes. Big swing and miss from Rothwell, and Arlovski happy to jab, clinch and push to the ropes. Right hand from Arlovski lands, good answer from “Big Ben.” Final 10 seconds and Arlovski hammers away with a combination that got Rothwell’s attention. Good round for the former UFC champ.
MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 Arlovski
Arlovski actually ate a good left from Rothwell in that last exchange too. Round 2 is off. Rothwell a bit more aggressive as he lands a few shots. Arlovski gets back to his range with a series of nice jabs, and a right hand. Rothwell is busted open, and Arlovski back to getting the clinch on the ropes. Another good shot from Arlovski.
Rothwell needs an answer badly. Arlovski hurts Rothwell with a combination and the ropes hold Rothwell up. All Arlovski after two rounds.
MMA Fighting scores it 10-9, 20-18 overall for Arlovski
Super impressive start for Arlovski. Rothwell’s face is a mess as we start Round 3. Doctors took a quick look at Rothwell but allowed him out. Arlovski continues to jab and avoid punishment from the other side. Arlovski turning it on as he continues to batter the face of Rothwell.
After a clinch against the ropes, the ref calls the doctor back in after a nasty cut opened opened up on Rothwell. The doctor says it’s done, and the referee calls it. Andrei Arlovski is the new BKFC heavyweight champion.
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