Tag: Ben Rothwell

BKFC President On Potential Ben Rothwell vs. Francis Ngannou Fight: ‘[PFL] Don’t Want To Partner With Us’

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout. Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under […]

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout.

Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under the BKFC banner with nothing but knockouts.

His latest victory was at last month’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the veteran heavyweight delivered an early Knockout of the Year candidate. A violent 36-second finish of Mick Terrill secured Rothwell the BKFC heavyweight title, and all eyes will certainly now be on the 43-year-old’s next outing.

The American set his sights high during his post-fight press conference, dropping the name of former UFC champion and current PFL Super Fights titleholder Francis Ngannou as a desired opponent.

During a recent interview with MMA Knockout, the BKFC president addressed that suggestion, explaining why he doesn’t see it as a possibility despite his promotion’s willingness to do business with rival organizations like the PFL.

“That would be a fantastic payday for Ben Rothwell, and I wouldn’t be opposed to something like that happening,” Feldman said. “But I just don’t think the PFL are gonna do it.

“UFC doesn’t need us, and all the rest of the promotions really don’t want to help us out because it’s just gonna help us get bigger and bigger. So, they don’t wanna do that,” Feldman continued. “They don’t wanna partner with us because they feel it’s gonna help us and not help them as much as it could because Francis Ngannou is a big name.”

Ngannou has competed just once in the PFL since signing in May 2023, knocking out Renan Ferreira in quick time last October.

Having previously fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing, “The Predator” is expected to return to the ring for his next combat sports outing.

BKFC’s Ben Rothwell Catches Attention Of Different Ex-UFC Heavyweight After Calling Out Francis Ngannou

Should his callout of Francis Ngannou fall on deaf ears, BKFC star Ben Rothwell looks to have at least one other high-profile option for his next fight. Rothwell has established himself as a dominant force in bare-knuckle boxing since his 17-fight tenure under the UFC banner reached its conclusion in 2021. “Big Ben” has gone […]

Should his callout of Francis Ngannou fall on deaf ears, BKFC star Ben Rothwell looks to have at least one other high-profile option for his next fight.

Rothwell has established himself as a dominant force in bare-knuckle boxing since his 17-fight tenure under the UFC banner reached its conclusion in 2021.

“Big Ben” has gone 4-0 under the BKFC banner, with every win coming via knockout. His most recent triumph was at this past weekend’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the 43-year-old powerhouse delivered an early Knockout of the Year contender.

With his violent 36-second KO of Mick Terrill, Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight title. Plenty of eyes will no doubt now be on the veteran’s next outing, and he’s setting his sights high.

During his post-fight press conference, Rothwell name-dropped a former UFC champion and the current PFL Super Fights heavyweight titleholder as a potential opponent.

“Francis Ngannou maybe,” Rothwell said. “We need to get some big names in this. I don’t know who’s on the roster, especially after tonight, that’s jumping in to fight me. They’ll say it but when it really comes down to it and I’m standing in front of you, things change.”

Whether or not that could come to fruition remains to be seen. Ngannou is tied up with the PFL and expected to explore boxing options in 2025 following battles with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

But should that rule “The Predator” out, another former UFC heavyweight is interested in the assignment.

“U sure u want the smoke @rothwellfighter lets see it then,” Mark Hunt wrote on X.

Rothwell and Hunt are familiar with one another, having shared the Octagon at UFC 135 back in 2011. “The Super Samoan” emerged victorious at the event, outpointing his American counterpart across three rounds.

While “Big Ben” has been racking up wins in BKFC, the New Zealander hasn’t competed since defeating rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams in the boxing ring three years ago. He’s remained in the headlines due to his legal dispute with the UFC.

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title – BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 HighlightsFormer UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner…

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Former UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner at KnuckleMania 5.

Emanating from Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Rothwell stepped into the co-main event spotlight against reigning titleholder Mick Terrill. In the opening seconds, both fighters remained cautious which resulted in Rothwell inadvertently poking Terrill in the eye. The unintentional foul brought a brief stop to the contest, but the fight was resumed fairly quickly with Terrill good to go.

Once back underway, Rothwell inched his way in and Terrill attempted to land a right hand. Rothwell unleashed a counter right which caught Terrill clean and immediately rendered him unconscious, sending him crashing to the canvas and bringing an end to the bout in less than a minute.

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Official Result: Ben Rothwell def. Mick Terrill via KO (counter overhand right) at 0:36 of Round 1 to win the BKFC heavyweight championship.

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Check out highlights from Mick Terrill vs. Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania 5:

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title – BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 HighlightsFormer UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner…

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Former UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner at KnuckleMania 5.

Emanating from Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Rothwell stepped into the co-main event spotlight against reigning titleholder Mick Terrill. In the opening seconds, both fighters remained cautious which resulted in Rothwell inadvertently poking Terrill in the eye. The unintentional foul brought a brief stop to the contest, but the fight was resumed fairly quickly with Terrill good to go.

Once back underway, Rothwell inched his way in and Terrill attempted to land a right hand. Rothwell unleashed a counter right which caught Terrill clean and immediately rendered him unconscious, sending him crashing to the canvas and bringing an end to the bout in less than a minute.

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Official Result: Ben Rothwell def. Mick Terrill via KO (counter overhand right) at 0:36 of Round 1 to win the BKFC heavyweight championship.

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Check out highlights from Mick Terrill vs. Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania 5:

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title – BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 HighlightsFormer UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner…

Ben Rothwell Knocks Mick Terrill Out Cold in 36 Seconds to Win Heavyweight Title - BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Highlights

Former UFC fighter ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell only needed 36 seconds to claim his first championship under the BKFC banner at KnuckleMania 5.

Emanating from Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, Rothwell stepped into the co-main event spotlight against reigning titleholder Mick Terrill. In the opening seconds, both fighters remained cautious which resulted in Rothwell inadvertently poking Terrill in the eye. The unintentional foul brought a brief stop to the contest, but the fight was resumed fairly quickly with Terrill good to go.

Once back underway, Rothwell inched his way in and Terrill attempted to land a right hand. Rothwell unleashed a counter right which caught Terrill clean and immediately rendered him unconscious, sending him crashing to the canvas and bringing an end to the bout in less than a minute.

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Official Result: Ben Rothwell def. Mick Terrill via KO (counter overhand right) at 0:36 of Round 1 to win the BKFC heavyweight championship.

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Check out highlights from Mick Terrill vs. Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania 5:

Ex-UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell calls for fight with Francis Ngannou

Ben RothwellFormer UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell has officially purchased his ticket for the Francis Ngannou lottery. Ngannou has been dominating headlines ever since he announced his signing with the Professional Fighters League last week. While he’s not expected to make his Smart Cage debut until 2024, fans are busy speculating on who […]

Ben Rothwell

Former UFC fighter turned BKFC brawler ‘Big’ Ben Rothwell has officially purchased his ticket for the Francis Ngannou lottery.

Ngannou has been dominating headlines ever since he announced his signing with the Professional Fighters League last week. While he’s not expected to make his Smart Cage debut until 2024, fans are busy speculating on who his first post-UFC test will be while fighters from around the world are throwing their name into the hat of potential opponents. Especially upon learning that whoever goes toe-to-toe with the former UFC heavyweight champion will bank a guaranteed seven figures.

Enter Ben Rothwell, a former UFC heavyweight standout that has found a new lease on life inside the squared circle. After more than a decade with the Las Vegas-based promotion, Rothwell traded in his 4-ounce gloves for a pair of hand wraps, signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. After earning back-to-back knockouts, Rothwell is tipped for a heavyweight title opportunity, but if the Kenosha, Wisconsin native gets his way, he’ll cash in on a potential clash with the PFL’s latest acquisition.

“Ok @francis_ngannou is officially the #1 HW to call out. I’m your huckleberry,” Rothwell tweeted. “Congratulations on the signing.”

Ben Rothwell made to sure highlight the details of Ngannou’s contract, noting the massive guaranteed figure.

Appearing on The MMA Hour, Francis Ngannou detailed his groundbreaking contract with the promotion, revealing that the opportunity to take care of other fighters was just as important as taking care of himself. Aside from guaranteeing his opponents a massive payday, Ngannou will also be part of the promotion’s Fighter Advisory Board which will serve as an advocacy group for fighters. ‘The Predator’ will also head up the PFL’s latest expansion, PFL Africa, serving as the chairman.

As a mixed martial artist, Ben Rothwell went 37-14 over the course of his two-decade run. At his peak, Rothwell scored four-straight wins inside the Octagon, picking off Brandon Vera, Alistair Overeem, Matt Mitrione, and Josh Barnett in succession. He also earned victories over Stefan Struve and Ovince St. Preux.