Former UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell had a quick night in his Bare Knuckle debut, mauling Bobo O’Bannon within 19-seconds of the first round.
Rothwell made it look extremely easy at BKFC 30, getting his career between the ropes off to a fantastic start. The Fant-Ewing Coliseum in Monroe, Los Angeles, hosted the action.
Rothwell squared up with O’Bannon (2-2) in what was his first time competing since his UFC departure. The 40-year-old came out instantly pressuring O’Bannon, throwing combos. With nowhere to go, O’Bannon was met with a monstrous left uppercut that sent him to the canvas, unable to answer the count.
Ben Rothwell Wins Bare Knuckle Debut
Having made a statement in his debut, Rothwell sends a message to his fellow heavyweights who compete in the squared circle.
“I said I was going to put the heavyweights on notice, but I believe there’s actually more questions now. That didn’t show it and I need everyone if you’re a fan, to let Dave Feldman know and the BKFC know that you want to see what I can really do and as soon as possible. To every heavyweight out there watching, you need to know, you have seen nothing yet.”
Rothwell underwent 12 years with the UFC and always brought the fight. “Big Ben” holds substantial wins over the likes of Brendan Schaub, Alistair Overeem, Matt Mitirone and Josh Barnet.
Who’s next remains to be seen, but Ben Rothwell has begun his BKB career with a bang. How much success can you see the 51-fight veteran having under Dave Feldman?
Featured Image credits to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships
