MMA mismatch of the century … OUCH
One of the responsibilities of an Athletic Commission is ensuring that match ups are fair. In this pre regulation bout, a young Ben Rothwell was matched with, well, someone who did not end up in the UFC.
One of the responsibilities of an Athletic Commission is ensuring that match ups are fair. In this pre regulation bout, a young Ben Rothwell was matched with, well, someone who did not end up in the UFC. Extra points for identifying the legendary pioneering fighter who serves as a ref.
Ben Rothwell (born October 17, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. He is currently fighting for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and is ranked in the top 15 in the world by Sherdog in the heavyweight division.
Rothwell began fighting in 1999 at the age of 17. Rothwell cites his mother Victoria, a caterer, (who along with his father own and manage a historic restaurant) his wife, and his daughter as the most motivational people in his life. Rothwell also holds a 3–0 record in professional kickboxing.
Rothwell made his UFC debut at UFC 104 against undefeated Cain Velasquez losing via TKO a minute into round 2.
On April 29, 2006 Rothwell made his IFL debut against Krzysztof Soszynski, winning by TKO in the first round.
After racking up 4 more consecutive IFL wins he fought future The Ultimate Fighter Heavyweights Tournament Winner and IFL champion Roy Nelson, winning via Split Decision.
His next fight would be a rematch from almost 5 years earlier against Travis Fulton, owner of 195 career MMA victories, 3 minutes into the second round Rothwell secured a Kimura causing Fulton to tap.
Rothwell then met Krzysztof Soszynski in a rematch of his IFL debut, Rothwell once again won via TKO, only this time it only took 13 seconds.
His last fight in the IFL came against Ricco Rodriguez in the IFL team finals, he won the fight via Unanimous Decision but the Silverbacks fell short of a victory and lost the championship to Renzo Gracie’s Pitbulls.
During his time in the IFL, Rothwell had a 9-0 record.
After the break up of the IFL Rothwell joined Affliction where he fought only one fight against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski, Rothwell lost the fight via KO due to an uppercut in the final round. This ended Rothwell’s 13 fight win streak and gave him his first defeat in over 3 years.
Rothwell entered the UFC in 2009, and has fought there since. He is currently on a three-fight win streak and is ranked the #8 heavyweight in the world.
