Bareknuckle boxing has created new dynamics in the combat sports world, and one of its standout figures is Ben Rothwell. Transitioning from a storied career in the UFC, where he fought 17 times, Rothwell has swiftly emerged as the heavyweight champion in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). His recent prowess has ignited discussions about potential high-stakes matches with formidable opponents, including the renowned Francis Ngannou.
Rothwell’s ascent in the BKFC began at KnuckleMania 5, where he claimed the heavyweight title by stopping Mick Terrill in a mere 36 seconds—a mere glimpse into the explosive nature of his fighting style. Remarkably, in four fights with BKFC, he has yet to let a bout extend beyond the first minute. Such rapid finishes have established Rothwell as a formidable force in a sport that favors raw aggression and striking capability, hinting at his compatibility with bareknuckle boxing.
What constitutes his notable success? Rothwell possesses an imposing presence, a hard-hitting arsenal, and a seemingly perfected approach to bareknuckle combat. With engaging performances, he has not only captivated audiences but has also solidified a burgeoning fan base that eagerly anticipates his return to the ring.
As Rothwell continues to dismantle opponents with ease, discussions about potential matchups with other seasoned fighters have intensified. He openly expresses a desire to face not just any competitor, but iconic names such as Mark Hunt and Francis Ngannou. Hunt, an esteemed veteran with an extensive fanbase, attracts Rothwell’s interest despite complicating timelines for a potential fight. Rothwell acknowledges Hunt’s draw while emphasizing his aspiration to compete against contemporary heavyweights, particularly Ngannou, whose boxing pedigree adds another layer of intrigue.
Ngannou, who had his own ambitious journey transitioning from the UFC to boxing—facing boxing luminaries like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua—has seemingly carved his niche in the sport. While he has endured setbacks in boxing, he has bounced back effectively in MMA, demonstrating his resilience. Rothwell, however, believe he could exploit Ngannou’s weaknesses if they were to share the ring.
Rothwell’s confidence radiates from his belief in his striking capabilities. He openly asserts that if pitted against Ngannou—whether it be in a boxing or bareknuckle context—he could gain the upper hand by neutralizing Ngannou’s instinct to revert to grappling. Rothwell emphasizes that he would present immense challenges standing on his feet, asserting that he would dominate the matchup without resorting to mixed martial arts, shifting the fight dynamics to his favor.
His history of leaving the octagon after a TKO defeat has seemingly rejuvenated him. It’s worth noting that during his UFC tenure, he maintained a precarious record of 9-8, demonstrating the highs and lows of a lengthy career in a highly competitive division. However, the shift to BKFC appears to have unleashed a new version of Rothwell—one that is emboldened and believes he could produce favorable outcomes even if he stepped back into the MMA realm against Ngannou.
Rothwell’s meteoric rise not only illustrates the evolution of an individual fighter but also serves as a reflection of the growing allure of bareknuckle boxing, a discipline that demands both skill and bravado. As he contemplates potential matchups, fans are left to ponder the implications of his assertive ambitions. The fight for further recognition and iconic matchups appears endless as Rothwell positions himself as a face of BKFC, ready to transcend beyond mere victories to create memorable legacies.
In essence, whether Ben Rothwell finds himself squaring off against Mark Hunt, Francis Ngannou, or any elite name in combat sports, his aim is undoubtedly set on proving his worth—both in bareknuckle boxing and, potentially, in the MMA cage once more, transforming how fans and critics alike perceive the art of fighting in its various forms. The future in the realm of bareknuckle boxing looks promising and remarkably fierce with Rothwell leading the charge.