Get ready for a grudge match that’s been brewing for over a decade—Ben Rothwell is gearing up to face Andrei Arlovski for the third time, and this one’s personal. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rothwell believes this bareknuckle boxing showdown could finally tip the scales in his favor, despite Arlovski’s two previous wins. Could this be the fight that redefines Rothwell’s legacy? Let’s dive in.
Rothwell and Arlovski’s history dates back to 2008, when Arlovski knocked Rothwell out in the third round of their heavyweight bout at Affliction: Banned. Fast forward nearly 11 years to the day, and they clashed again in the UFC, with Arlovski securing a unanimous decision in San Antonio. That 2019 loss marked Rothwell’s third consecutive defeat—a rare losing streak in a career spanning over 50 pro fights and a 9-8 UFC record. Since then, Rothwell has pivoted to bareknuckle boxing, where he’s undefeated at 4-0 and currently reigns as the BKFC heavyweight champion.
Now, Rothwell is set to face Arlovski in the BKFC ring this February, and he’s confident the rules of bareknuckle boxing will play to his strengths. ‘He got the decision in our UFC rematch, but I know if I had just one more round—or even one more minute—I would’ve turned that fight around,’ Rothwell told MMA Junkie Radio. ‘He’s got two wins against me, and I can’t take that away. But this fight? This is the biggest one. It’s the one that sets the stage for how I finish my career.’
Arlovski, a UFC heavyweight champion in 2005 with two title defenses, boasts a storied 25-year MMA career with a 34-24 record (23-18 in the UFC). His name is etched in UFC history, holding the record for most heavyweight wins in the promotion. Yet, Rothwell sees an opportunity in their BKFC matchup: ‘In bareknuckle, it’s just hands. No kicks, no takedowns—just the two most dangerous weapons on the planet: mine.’
And this is the part most people miss: Rothwell isn’t just fighting for pride; he’s eyeing a spot in a proposed $15 million BKFC tournament. To win, he’d need to secure five victories in roughly a year—a challenge he believes could be the perfect way to cap off his career. But first, he’s laser-focused on settling the score with Arlovski. ‘I’m not thinking about the tournament until after this fight. Right now, it’s all about proving myself against Andrei,’ he said.
Rothwell’s transition to bareknuckle boxing has been liberating, stripping away the mental burden of MMA’s complexities. ‘In the UFC, I’d stress about kicks, takedowns, submissions—everything. In bareknuckle, it’s simple: I go in there and smash somebody. And so far, it’s been working pretty well,’ he explained.
BKFC: KnuckleMania 6 is set for February 7 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Will Rothwell finally get his revenge, or will Arlovski cement his dominance? Here’s the thought-provoking question: Does bareknuckle boxing truly level the playing field, or is Arlovski’s experience enough to secure another win? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this trilogy fight is bound to spark debate!
