After breaking up with UFC, veteran Ben Rothwell signs contract with 'bare-knuckle boxing'

Rothwell left the UFC to sign with ‘bare-knuckle boxing’. (Photo: Getty Images)

It didn't take long for Ben Rothwell to land a new organization. After his ‘mysterious’ departure from the UFC despite a fight scheduled with Alexander Gustafson for May 21st, the veteran acted quickly and signed a contract with the ‘Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’ (BKFC) – a ‘bare knuckle boxing’ event. The information was confirmed by the athlete during his participation in the podcast ‘The MMA Hour'.

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With a career spanning almost 13 years in the UFC, Rothwell has been one of the great pillars of the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg.) since he debuted in 2009. In the organization, there were 17 fights, with a record balanced between nine triumphs and eight setbacks.

During his career in the UFC, the veteran managed to beat significant names, such as alistair overeem, Matt Mitrione, Josh Barnett, Gilbert Yvel and Brendan Schaub. In his most recent performance, however, Ben ended up being defeated by Marcos Foot, in 32 seconds of the first round, in November 2021. Professional since 2001, the veteran has 53 fights in his mixed martial arts career, with a record of 39 positive results and 14 negative results.

Ben will now be another person trying to make an impact at BKFC, whose heavyweight champion is Arnold Adams. Former UFC, Alan belcher He also renounced retirement and is competing for promotion. Other big names in the company are Chad Mendes and Thiago Alves.