Hubbry Logo
Ben RothwellBen RothwellMain
Open search
Ben Rothwell
Community hub
Ben Rothwell
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ben Rothwell
Ben Rothwell
from Wikipedia

Ben Rothwell (born October 17, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer who competes as a Heavyweight and is the current BKFC Heavyweight World Champion. He most notably had a 17 bout stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and competed for the Quad Cities Silverbacks of the IFL where he held an undefeated 9–0 record before leaving the promotion due to a contract dispute. He has also had one-fight stints in Affliction, M-1 Global, and King of the Cage. He also competed for the World Series of Fighting and Absolute Championship Berkut.

Key Information

Since his departure from the UFC in 2022, Rothwell has competed in the Heavyweight division of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, where he is the current BKFC Heavyweight Champion. As of October 5th 2025, he is #3 (in BKFC this is actually the 4th ranked fighter) in the men's pound-for-pound rankings.[3]

Background

[edit]

Rothwell is from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and both of his parents work in the restaurant business. His parents own a catering company. He is of Norwegian and Irish descent.[4] Rothwell was an active child but suffered a bout with spinal meningitis when he was six years old. He was in a coma and temporarily blind, while the disease made him almost obese. The young Rothwell, who struggled with his weight and identity in his adolescent years, was also troubled growing up and was often involved in fighting and violence at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake. By the time he was a junior in high school, Rothwell knew that he enjoyed fighting, and in 1999, at the age of 17, he began learning self-defense. In July of that same year, after he had been in three professional fights, he and a friend were involved in a car accident with a drunk driver. Rothwell's friend, who was 19 years old, died two weeks later, and Rothwell suffered a significant head injury, in addition to broken ribs. The event changed Rothwell's life, causing him to feel as though he has a purpose to complete.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Rothwell began his training in September 1999, before joining Miletich Fighting Systems in 2002.

Rothwell made his professional debut in early 2001 in his home state of Wisconsin and dominated his opponent, winning by TKO only 21 seconds into the fight. He then won his next three fights, all under two minutes into the first round and all with strikes. Rothwell then faced future two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and fellow Miletich Fighting Systems fighter, Tim Sylvia. Rothwell was handed his first career loss in a decision. However, he bounced back and won his next seven fights, all by submission or TKO, before a unanimous decision loss to Mike Whitehead.

After defeating former King of the Cage Super Heavyweight Champion, Dan Bobish by knockout, Rothwell was soon invited to compete in the International Fight League to fight for the Quad City Silverbacks, coached by the legendary Pat Miletich. Like several other fighters in the promotion, Rothwell was competing for the coach who he trained regularly.

International Fight League

[edit]

On April 29, 2006, Rothwell made his IFL debut against future UFC veteran, the Polish-Canadian fighter, Krzysztof Soszynski. In the first round, Soszynski surprisingly decided to exchange strikes with Rothwell, and landed a left uppercut and held his own until he was knocked down by a short left hook from Rothwell, who then slammed Soszynski to the canvas. After working from side control and then standing again, Rothwell landed a series of punches at the end of the round, that knocked down Soszynski, and then followed this up with more punches to his downed opponent. Despite the round ending, referee Dan Miragliotta called a stop to the contest, granting Rothwell the win via TKO.

After racking up four consecutive IFL wins, he fought future The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights winner and IFL Heavyweight Champion Roy Nelson, winning via split decision.

His next fight was a rematch from almost five years earlier against veteran Travis Fulton, owner of 195 career victories. Three minutes into the second round, Rothwell secured a kimura, causing Fulton to submit.

Rothwell then met Krzysztof Soszynski in a rematch of his IFL debut. Rothwell once again won via TKO, only 13 seconds into the bout.

His last fight in the IFL came against former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ricco Rodriguez in the team finals. After controlling the fight and displaying superior striking, Rothwell won the fight via unanimous decision. However, the Silverbacks fell short of a victory and lost the championship to Renzo Gracie's New York Pitbulls. This was Rothwell's last appearance in the IFL, as he eventually left the organization due to a contract dispute.

During his time in the IFL, Rothwell had a 9–0 record.[6]

Affliction

[edit]

After leaving the IFL, Rothwell joined Affliction where he appeared in only one bout, against former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski, Rothwell lost the fight via knockout due to an uppercut in the final round. This ended Rothwell's 13-fight win streak and gave him his first defeat in over three years.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Rothwell made his UFC debut on October 24, 2009, at UFC 104 against undefeated Cain Velasquez losing via TKO one minute into round two. The stoppage was controversial because Rothwell seemed to be getting to his feet as Steve Mazzagatti stopped the fight. Rothwell was visibly upset with Mazzagatti's decision to stop the fight.[7] After the fight, UFC president Dana White stated that Mazzagatti was the "worst referee in the history of combat sports".

Rothwell was expected to face Mirko Filipović on February 21, 2010, at UFC 110.[8] However, Rothwell had to withdraw from the event, just days prior, due to an illness and was replaced by Anthony Perosh.[9]

Rothwell then fought Gilbert Yvel on June 15, 2010, at UFC 115 where he won by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).[10] Rothwell tore his ACL during his first takedown attempt, which required post-fight surgery.[11] Rothwell also suffered a deviated septum from a head kick during the first round.[12]

After an extended layoff, Rothwell fought Mark Hunt on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135.[13] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Rothwell then faced Brendan Schaub on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145. He won the fight via knockout in round one. Rothwell also earned Knockout of the Night honors for his performance.[14]

Rothwell was expected to face Travis Browne at UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera, but pulled out due to an injury[15]

Rothwell faced Gabriel Gonzaga on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping[16] He lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Rothwell faced Brandon Vera at UFC 164 on August 31, 2013.[17] He won the fight via TKO by punches in round three. Subsequent to the bout, Rothwell tested positive for elevated testosterone levels. The UFC suspended Rothwell for nine months, despite the Wisconsin commission only issuing him with an administrative warning.[18]

Rothwell was briefly linked to a bout with Ruslan Magomedov for on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.[19] However, on July 9, the UFC announced he would face Alistair Overeem on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[20] Rothwell won the fight via TKO in the first round.[21] The win also earned Rothwell his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[22]

Rothwell faced Matt Mitrione on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.[23] He won the fight via submission in the first round, the first submission win of his UFC career.[24]

Rothwell was expected to face Stipe Miocic on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76.[25] However, Miocic pulled out of the fight on October 13 citing injury.[26] Subsequently, Rothwell was removed from the card the following day after the promotion deemed that a suitable opponent could not be arranged on short notice.[27]

Rothwell next faced Josh Barnett on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18.[28] He won the fight in the second round due to a guillotine choke, making Rothwell the only fighter to ever stop Barnett with a submission hold during Barnett's lengthy MMA career.[29] The win also earned Rothwell his second Performance of the Night bonus award.[30]

Rothwell faced Junior dos Santos on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86.[31] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[32]

Rothwell was expected to face Fabrício Werdum on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203.[33] However, Rothwell pulled out of the fight on August 11 citing a knee injury and was replaced by Travis Browne.[34][35]

The bout with Werdum was rescheduled and expected to take place on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211.[36] However, the bout was canceled due to Rothwell failing a drug test. On April 6, 2018, it was announced Rothwell had accepted a two-year suspension from USADA, retroactive to February 6, 2017.[37]

Having served his suspension, Rothwell returned to face Blagoy Ivanov on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146.[38] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[39]

A rematch with Andrei Arlovski took place on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4.[40] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[41]

Rothwell faced Stefan Struve on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.[42] He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[43] The finish was controversial as Rothwell had accidentally hit Struve in the groin twice and was docked one point for these infractions in the second round. The referee encouraged the compromised Struve to continue, resulting in a finish for Rothwell late in the second round.[44]

Rothwell was scheduled to face Gian Villante on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.[45] However, the event and Rothwell's scheduled bout against Villante was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[46]

Rothwell faced Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira on May 13, 2020.[47] He won the fight via split decision.[48]

Rothwell faced Marcin Tybura on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179.[49] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[50]

Rothwell was scheduled to face Philipe Lins on March 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 187.[51] However, during the week leading up to the event the bout was removed from the card due to undisclosed reasons. The pairing remained intact and [52] the bout was rescheduled on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24.[53] While Rothwell made weight without issue, Lins never showed up to the weigh-ins and withdrew from the bout due to an illness.[54] The bout was rescheduled again for May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt.[55] However, yet again, Lins was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by newcomer Askhar Mozharov.[56] Just hours later, the Ukrainian announced he would not be able to get a visa in time for the event,[57] and he was replaced by Chris Barnett.[58] He won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the second round.[59]

Rothwell faced Marcos Rogério de Lima on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197.[60] After Rothwell was stunned multiple times on the feet, referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight, though he allowed Rothwell to attempt a takedown before officially calling off the fight as a TKO win for Lima.[61]

Rothwell was scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson on May 21, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 206.[62] However, at the end of March, it was announced that Rothwell asked for his release and it was granted from the UFC.[63]

Bare-knuckle boxing

[edit]

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

[edit]

On April 25, 2022, it was announced that Rothwell joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.[64] He won his first two fights with the promotion.[65]

In his third fight for the promotion, Rothwell was scheduled to face Todd Duffee at BKFC 56 on December 2, 2023. However, on November 30, it was announced the bout was cancelled due to Rothwell having an illness.[66] The fight against Duffee was rescheduled for BKFC Knucklemania IV in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024.[67] Rothwell won the fight by technical knockout after Duffee was knocked down and injured in the first round.[68]

Rothwell competed for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship against champion Mick Terrill on January 25, 2025 at BKFC Knucklemania V.[69] He won the championship by knockout in the first round.[70] This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.[71]

Rothwell was scheduled to face Alex Simon at BKFC 79 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on July 19, 2025.[72][73] However, the event was removed for unknown reasons.

Personal life

[edit]

Rothwell attended Waukesha County Technical College, where he earned a technical degree in collision repair. Aside from working at his parents' restaurant, he also worked at a body shop and as a labor union construction worker in Chicago, Illinois.[74]

Rothwell is married and has a daughter and a son, Odin (born 2021).[75] Currently, Rothwell and his wife own Rothwell Mixed Martial Arts in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Rothwell MMA, established in 2011, teaches MMA, kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, self-defense, yoga, and fitness to children and adults of all ages and experience levels. Rothwell is also the head coach for an MMA competition team of 30 amateur and professional MMA fighters. They often compete as a team at Wisconsin Xtreme Cage Fighting (WXCF) events at Racine Memorial Hall.

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Bare-knuckle boxing

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
53 matches 39 wins 14 losses
By knockout 28 5
By submission 7 2
By decision 4 7
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 39–14 Marcos Rogério de Lima TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Rodríguez November 13, 2021 1 0:32 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 39–13 Chris Barnett Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt May 22, 2021 2 2:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 38–13 Marcin Tybura Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen October 11, 2020 3 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 38–12 Ovince Saint Preux Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira May 13, 2020 3 5:00 Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Win 37–12 Stefan Struve TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik December 7, 2019 2 4:57 Washington, D.C., United States
Loss 36–12 Andrei Arlovski Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: dos Anjos vs. Edwards July 20, 2019 3 5:00 San Antonio, Texas, United States
Loss 36–11 Blagoy Ivanov Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. dos Santos March 9, 2019 3 5:00 Wichita, Kansas, United States
Loss 36–10 Junior dos Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rothwell vs. dos Santos April 10, 2016 5 5:00 Zagreb, Croatia
Win 36–9 Josh Barnett Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader January 30, 2016 2 3:48 Newark, New Jersey, United States Performance of the Night. Submission of the Year.
Win 35–9 Matt Mitrione Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson June 6, 2015 1 1:54 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 34–9 Alistair Overeem TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi September 5, 2014 1 2:19 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 33–9 Brandon Vera TKO (punches) UFC 164 August 31, 2013 3 1:54 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Rothwell suspended after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels.
Loss 32–9 Gabriel Gonzaga Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping January 19, 2013 2 1:01 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 32–8 Brendan Schaub KO (punches) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 1 1:10 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Knockout of the Night.
Loss 31–8 Mark Hunt Decision (unanimous) UFC 135 September 24, 2011 3 5:00 Denver, Colorado, United States
Win 31–7 Gilbert Yvel Decision (unanimous) UFC 115 June 12, 2010 3 5:00 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Loss 30–7 Cain Velasquez TKO (punches) UFC 104 October 24, 2009 2 0:58 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 30–6 Chris Guillen TKO (submission to elbows) Adrenaline MMA 2: Miletich vs. Denny December 11, 2008 1 3:30 Moline, Illinois, United States
Loss 29–6 Andrei Arlovski KO (punches) Affliction: Banned July 19, 2008 3 1:13 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 29–5 Ricco Rodriguez Decision (unanimous) IFL: 2007 Team Championship final September 20, 2007 3 4:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Win 28–5 Krzysztof Soszyński TKO (punches) IFL: 2007 semifinals August 2, 2007 1 0:13 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win 27–5 Travis Fulton Submission (kimura) IFL: Chicago May 19, 2007 2 3:11 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 26–5 Roy Nelson Decision (split) IFL: Moline April 7, 2007 3 4:00 Moline, Illinois, United States
Win 25–5 Matt Thompson TKO (punches) IFL: Houston February 2, 2007 2 1:47 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 24–5 Devin Cole KO (head kick) IFL: Championship final December 29, 2006 1 3:16 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 23–5 Wojtek Kaszowski Submission (americana) IFL: World Championship semifinals November 2, 2006 1 3:14 Portland, Oregon, United States
Win 22–5 Bryan Vetell KO (punch) IFL: Gracie vs. Miletich September 23, 2006 1 3:17 Moline, Illinois, United States
Win 21–5 Krzysztof Soszyński TKO (punches) IFL: Legends Championship 2006 April 29, 2006 1 3:59 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 20–5 Dan Bobish KO (knee) GFC: Team Gracie vs Team Hammer House March 3, 2006 1 4:20 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Win 19–5 Joey Smith TKO (submission to punches) ISCF: Gladiators X February 24, 2006 1 N/A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Win 18–5 Don Richard TKO (punches) KOTC: Conquest December 3, 2005 1 3:32 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Win 17–5 Allan Weickert TKO (punches) GFS: Fight Nite in the Flats September 17, 2005 1 3:45 Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Loss 16–5 Dan Christison Submission (kimura) Euphoria: USA vs World February 26, 2005 3 0:57 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 16–4 Jonathan Wiezorek TKO (punches) Euphoria: Road to the Titles October 15, 2004 1 1:09 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 15–4 Matt Bear TKO (submission to punches) Ultimate Throwdown July 16, 2004 1 2:57 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 14–4 Carlos Barreto KO (head kick) Heat FC 1: Genesis July 31, 2003 1 N/A Natal, Brazil
Win 14–3 Royce Louck TKO (doctor stoppage) Freestyle Combat Challenge 11 June 28, 2003 1 N/A Racine, Wisconsin, United States
Loss 13–3 Ibragim Magomedov TKO (retirement) M-1 MFC: Russia vs. the World 4 November 15, 2002 1 10:00 St. Petersburg, Russia Scheduled for one 10-minute round.
Win 13–2 Travis Fulton TKO (injury) Freestyle Combat Challenge 8 October 4, 2002 1 5:00 Racine, Wisconsin, United States
Win 12–2 Johnathan Ivey TKO (doctor stoppage) USMMA 2: Ring of Fury September 21, 2002 1 1:14 Lowell, Massachusetts, United States Won the USMMA Heavyweight Championship.
Loss 11–2 Mike Whitehead Decision (unanimous) SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 2 April 27, 2002 2 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 11–1 Kerry Schall TKO (neck injury) 2 2:10 Schall fell out of the ring.
Win 10–1 Curtis Crawford Submission (forearm choke) SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 1 April 26, 2002 1 1:03 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 9–1 Mike Priest TKO (injury) Freestyle Combat Challenge 7 March 23, 2002 1 N/A Racine, Wisconsin, United States
Win 8–1 Mike Radnov TKO (doctor stoppage) Extreme Challenge 46 February 16, 2002 1 5:54 Clive, Iowa, United States
Win 7–1 Kerry Schall TKO (foot injury) 1 7:29
Win 6–1 Mike Marshalleck TKO (punches) Freestyle Combat Challenge 6 January 5, 2002 1 0:38 Racine, Wisconsin, United States
Win 5–1 Steve Hutson Submission (arm-triangle choke) SC 8: Fight Night November 10, 2001 1 3:35 LaSalle, Illinois, United States
Loss 4–1 Tim Sylvia Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 42 August 24, 2001 3 5:00 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win 4–0 Billy Herrington TKO (submission to knees) Iowa Challenge 2 August 11, 2001 1 1:07 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
Win 3–0 Darren Block KO (punch) Dangerzone: Auburn April 28, 2001 1 0:16 Auburn, Indiana, United States
Win 2–0 Anthony Ferguson TKO (referee stoppage) 1 1:00
Win 1–0 Rob Shinkle TKO (corner stoppage) Freestyle Combat Challenge 3 January 6, 2001 1 0:21 Racine, Wisconsin, United States

[81]

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

[edit]
Kickboxing record
3 wins, 0 losses
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2005-10-21 Win United States Justice Smith ISCF: Colosseum Returns Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA DQ (low blows) 1 N/A
2005-01-23 Win Japan Nobu Hayashi Shootboxing 2005: Ground Zero Fukuoka Fukuoka, Japan Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

Bare knuckle boxing record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
4 matches 4 wins 0 losses
By knockout 4 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 Mick Terrill KO (punch) BKFC Knucklemania V January 25, 2025 1 0:36 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Won the BKFC Heavyweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.
Win 3–0 Todd Duffee TKO (injury) BKFC: Knucklemania IV April 27, 2024 1 0:43 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 2–0 Josh Copeland TKO (corner stoppage) BKFC 41 April 29, 2023 3 2:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Win 1–0 Bobo O'Bannon KO (punch) BKFC 30 October 1, 2022 1 0:19 Monroe, Louisiana, United States Knockout of the Night.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ben Rothwell is an American professional mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer competing in the heavyweight division. Born on October 17, 1981, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 265 pounds, with a professional MMA record of 39 wins and 14 losses, including 28 knockouts and 7 submissions. He is currently the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Heavyweight Champion, having won the title with a 36-second knockout victory over Mick Terrill on January 25, 2025, at BKFC KnuckleMania 5. Rothwell began his MMA career in 2001 after overcoming and health challenges, quickly rising through regional promotions before achieving an undefeated 9-0 record in the (IFL) from 2006 to 2007, where he defeated notable opponents such as Roy Nelson and . He made his (UFC) debut in 2009, competing until 2021 and amassing a 9-8 record in the promotion, highlighted by victories over top contenders including in 2014 and in 2016. During his UFC tenure, Rothwell faced six former or future heavyweight champions, such as and , showcasing his durability and striking power despite setbacks like a first-round loss to Velasquez in his debut. Transitioning to in 2022, Rothwell has maintained an undefeated 4-0 record in BKFC, with all wins by or TKO, including stoppages against Bobo O'Bannon, Josh Copeland, , and his title-winning performance over Terrill. As of November 2025, at age 44, Rothwell continues to compete at the elite level in BKFC while training at his own Rothwell MMA facility in , , solidifying his legacy as a versatile and resilient combat sports athlete.

Early Life

Family and Background

Ben Rothwell was born on October 17, 1981, and raised in , where he grew up in a family deeply involved in the local restaurant industry. His parents owned and operated a company, providing a stable environment as Rothwell pursued his early interests in sports and physical activities. He attended Westosha Central High School in nearby Paris, Wisconsin, graduating in 2000.

Health Challenges and Introduction to Combat Sports

Rothwell grew up as an active and athletic child until the age of six, when he contracted , a potentially fatal bacterial of the and brain's protective membranes. The illness caused him to slip into an 11-day , during which he became temporarily blind; his doctors warned his family of a low survival rate and that, if he recovered, he would likely suffer permanent , blindness, and . Miraculously, Rothwell pulled through without those long-term disabilities, but the disease left him physically weakened and marked the beginning of ongoing health struggles, including battles with that persisted into his . In the years following his recovery, Rothwell transformed from a top school athlete into an isolated, overweight youth who faced and , exacerbating his frustration and leading to aggressive outbursts and involvement in street fights. By his mid-teens, around 1998 or 1999, he described himself as heading toward a destructive path, including potential incarceration, due to uncontrolled recklessness and a lack of direction. These challenges culminated in a pivotal moment when, at age 17, Rothwell discovered (MMA) as a constructive outlet for his pent-up aggression and energy. Rothwell began training in MMA not initially with professional fighting in mind, but simply to learn the discipline and channel his violent tendencies into a controlled environment, crediting the with redirecting his life away from ruin. After just one month of preparation at a local in Kenosha, he entered his first —a four-man in , —where he secured a victory despite his inexperience, marking the start of his combat sports journey. Rothwell has repeatedly stated that MMA "saved my life," providing structure, confidence, and a sense of purpose that helped him overcome his early adversities and build a professional career.

Mixed Martial Arts Career

Early Professional Career

Rothwell made his professional mixed martial arts debut on January 6, 2001, at FCC 3 - Freestyle Combat Challenge 3, defeating Robert Schinkel by TKO (corner stoppage) just 21 seconds into the first round. Having built a 6-0 record after starting MMA training in 1999 in , the 19-year-old Rothwell quickly established himself in the regional heavyweight scene with his aggressive striking and finishing ability. In his first year as a pro, Rothwell competed frequently on the Midwestern circuit, securing four more first-round stoppages, including knockouts against Darren Block and Anthony Ferguson at Dangerzone - Auburn on April 28, 2001. His early momentum was interrupted by a unanimous decision loss to future UFC heavyweight champion on August 24, 2001, at Extreme Challenge 42, but he rebounded with a submission victory over Steve Hutson later that year. By the end of 2002, Rothwell had amassed 13 wins against three losses, often finishing opponents via strikes or injury in promotions like Gladiators Fighting Challenge and , showcasing his raw power and ground control. Representative victories included a second-round TKO over Kerry Schall due to a neck injury and a first-round TKO against Mike Whitehead's teammate in a team-format event. A pivotal setback came on July 31, 2003, when Rothwell was knocked out by a head kick from Brazilian veteran Carlos Barreto at Heat FC 1 - Genesis, prompting him to relocate training to under striking . In , he joined the renowned camp in , alongside elite fighters like and Matt Hughes, which refined his and overall skill set. This period yielded consistent wins, such as first-round TKOs against Matt Bear and Jonathan Wiezorek in , and against Allan Weickert and Don Richards in 2005, bringing his record to 18-4 by late 2005. Entering 2006, Rothwell continued his regional dominance with quick finishes, including a knockout of on March 3 at Gracie Fighting Challenge and a TKO of Joey Smith on February 24 at ISCF - Gladiators X, demonstrating improved versatility in striking and submissions ahead of his entry into larger promotions.

International Fight League and Affliction Entertainment

Rothwell joined the (IFL) in 2006 as a representative for the Silverbacks team, quickly establishing himself as a dominant force in the promotion's team-based format. Over the course of his tenure, he compiled an undefeated record of 9-0, showcasing a mix of power, submissions, and decision victories against notable opponents. His debut came on April 29, 2006, at IFL: Legends Championship 2006, where he defeated via TKO (punches) in the first round at 3:59. Subsequent wins included a first-round (punch) over Bryan Vetell on September 23, 2006, at IFL: , and a submission (keylock) victory against Wojtek Kaszowski on November 2, 2006, at IFL: World Championship Semifinals. Rothwell's IFL run featured several high-profile bouts that highlighted his versatility and finishing ability. On December 29, 2006, at IFL: Championship Final, he knocked out Devin Cole with a head kick in the first round at 3:16, earning a performance bonus for the strike. He followed with a second-round TKO (punches) over Matt Thompson on February 2, 2007, at IFL: , and a win against Roy Nelson on April 7, 2007, at IFL: Moline, in a closely contested matchup. A rematch with Soszynski on August 2, 2007, at IFL: 2007 Semifinals resulted in Rothwell's fastest finish, a TKO (punches) at just 0:13 of the first round. His submission skills shone in a second-round against on May 19, 2007, at IFL: . Culminating his undefeated streak, Rothwell captured the IFL Championship by defeating former UFC champion via on September 20, 2007, at IFL: 2007 Team Championship Final, solidifying his status as the promotion's top heavyweight. Following the IFL's closure in 2008, Rothwell signed with , a short-lived MMA promotion backed by the apparel company. His sole appearance came at Affliction: Banned on July 19, 2008, where he faced former UFC Champion in the co-main event. Rothwell started strong, controlling the early rounds with , but Arlovski rallied to win by TKO (punches) at 1:13 of the third round. This loss marked Rothwell's first defeat in over two years and highlighted the challenges of competing against elite former champions. Affliction folded after its third event later that year, limiting Rothwell's opportunities in the promotion to this single bout.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Tenure

Ben Rothwell made his (UFC) debut on October 24, 2009, at against future champion , where he suffered a second-round TKO loss via punches. Over the course of his 12-year tenure in the promotion, Rothwell compiled a record of 9 wins and 8 losses, primarily competing in the division and facing a mix of established contenders and former champions. His UFC career was marked by periods of momentum-building win streaks, upset victories, and interruptions due to anti-doping violations, culminating in his release from the organization following a 2021 loss. Following his debut setback, Rothwell rebounded with a victory over on June 12, 2010, at , showcasing improved striking and grappling defense over three rounds. He then dropped a to on September 24, 2011, at in a grueling stand-up battle that highlighted Hunt's legendary durability. Rothwell responded with a first-round knockout of via punches on April 21, 2012, at , earning Performance of the Night honors and signaling his entry into the contender conversation. However, a second-round submission loss to on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX 7 stalled his progress. Rothwell then embarked on a four-fight that elevated his profile. On August 31, , at UFC 164, he secured a third-round TKO victory over with punches and knees, though the win was later overshadowed by a nine-month UFC suspension announced in for elevated testosterone levels, despite a therapeutic use exemption; the result stood, but the suspension delayed his return until mid-2014. Upon reinstatement, he achieved one of his signature upsets, stopping via first-round TKO punches on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50, demonstrating aggressive ground-and-pound against the former Strikeforce champion. This was followed by a first-round submission of on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68, and another finish against in the second round on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18, earning him another Performance of the Night bonus. Rothwell's streak ended in a five-round loss to former UFC heavyweight champion on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86, a main event that tested his cardio against elite boxing. His career then faced a significant hiatus due to USADA anti-doping issues; in April 2018, he accepted a two-year suspension for testing positive for clomiphene and , metabolites of exogenous testosterone, following out-of-competition samples in 2016 and 2017, which kept him sidelined until early 2019. Upon return, Rothwell lost a to on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146, followed by another decision defeat to on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4. In late 2019, Rothwell notched a second-round TKO win over via punches at UFC on ESPN 7, revitalizing his octagon run. He followed with a victory over on May 13, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 171, adapting to the light heavyweight's reach in a tactical bout. However, losses to by unanimous decision on October 10, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 179, and a second-round TKO to on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197 bookended a final win—a second-round submission of on May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 188. Rothwell's UFC tenure concluded with his release from the promotion in 2022, after which he transitioned to .
UFC Fight RecordOpponentDateResultMethodRoundTime
Oct 24, 2009LossTKO (Punches)20:58
Jun 12, 2010WinDecision (Unanimous)35:00
Sep 24, 2011LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
Apr 21, 2012WinKO (Punches)11:10
UFC on FX 7Jan 19, 2013LossSubmission ()21:01
UFC 164Aug 31, 2013WinTKO (Punches and Knees)31:54
UFC Fight Night 50Sep 5, 2014WinTKO (Punches)12:19
UFC Fight Night 68Jun 6, 2015WinSubmission ()11:54
UFC on Fox 18Jan 30, 2016WinSubmission ()23:48
UFC Fight Night 86Apr 10, 2016LossDecision (Unanimous)55:00
UFC Fight Night 146Mar 9, 2019LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
UFC on ESPN 4Jul 20, 2019LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
UFC on ESPN 7Dec 7, 2019WinTKO (Punches)24:57
UFC Fight Night 171May 13, 2020WinDecision (Split)35:00
UFC Fight Night 179Oct 10, 2020LossDecision (Unanimous)35:00
UFC Fight Night 188May 22, 2021WinSubmission ()22:07
UFC Fight Night 197Nov 13, 2021LossTKO (Punches)10:32

Bare-Knuckle Boxing Career

Debut in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Ben Rothwell, a veteran mixed martial artist with a 12-year tenure in the , transitioned to following his release from the UFC on March 31, 2022, after a unanimous decision loss to the previous year. Seeking new opportunities in combat sports, Rothwell signed with the (BKFC) and was announced for his promotional debut at BKFC 30 on October 1, 2022, at the Fant-Ewing Coliseum in . The event was headlined by a cruiserweight title bout between and Quentin Henry, positioning Rothwell's fight as the co-main event. Rothwell faced Bobo O'Bannon, a BKFC veteran nicknamed "The Bible Belt Brawler" with a 3-3 record, including three knockouts, in a matchup. Entering the ring at age 40, Rothwell expressed a pragmatic approach to his career, stating on The MMA Hour that with limited fights remaining, the bout was primarily an opportunity to earn income. O'Bannon, meanwhile, had publicly sought a high-profile opponent like Rothwell to elevate his standing in the promotion. The fight began with Rothwell displaying immediate aggression, charging forward and landing sharp punches on O'Bannon. At just 0:19 into the first round, Rothwell delivered a devastating right that knocked O'Bannon unconscious, securing a victory without sustaining any damage himself. The rapid finish, described as one of the most brutal uppercuts in BKFC history, showcased Rothwell's power and precision in the bare-knuckle format. In his post-fight interview, Rothwell called for BKFC to match him against stronger , declaring to the crowd and promotion, "You have seen nothing yet," signaling his intent to climb the division. The debut win improved Rothwell's bare-knuckle record to 1-0 and generated significant buzz, highlighting his potential as a top contender in the organization.

Rise to Heavyweight Championship

Building momentum, Rothwell secured his second BKFC victory on April 29, 2023, at BKFC 41 in , against former BKFC heavyweight title challenger Josh Copeland. The bout went into the third round, where Rothwell's relentless pressure and striking volume led to a technical knockout at 2:00, improving his bare-knuckle record to 2-0. Following this win, Rothwell publicly called out then-champion , signaling his intent to pursue the heavyweight crown and positioning himself as the division's top contender. Rothwell's third fight came on December 2, 2023, at BKFC 56 in , , against fellow MMA veteran . He dominated early, securing a first-round TKO at 0:43 via referee stoppage after overwhelming Duffee with heavy punches, further solidifying his undefeated streak at 3-0 in BKFC. This performance, combined with the division's evolution—including Mick Terrill's ascension to champion after dethroning on April 27, 2024—earned Rothwell a long-awaited title opportunity. On January 25, 2025, at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 in , , Rothwell challenged reigning BKFC Heavyweight Champion Mick Terrill for the title in the co-main event. True to his prowess, Rothwell dropped Terrill with a blistering right hand just 36 seconds into the first round, forcing an immediate stoppage and claiming the championship. This victory not only crowned him the BKFC Heavyweight Champion but also earned him another of the Night award, capping a methodical rise defined by explosive finishes and veteran savvy. Rothwell made his first appearance as champion on July 19, 2025, at BKFC 79 in Perth, , where he defeated Alex Simon to win the inaugural BKFC super heavyweight championship, extending his undefeated BKFC record to 5-0.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Ben Rothwell is married to Jen Rothwell, whom he met when he was 21 while she was 18 and working at a local sandwich shop in ; they began dating after he attended one of her classes following a session that impressed her. The couple jointly manages Rothwell , their gym in Kenosha, where Jen oversees operations and fitness programs to support Ben's fighting career and community involvement. Rothwell and his wife have two children: a , born prior to 2015, and a son named , born in early 2021. He has prioritized family proximity by basing his training in Kenosha, citing the desire to remain near his and avoid extended separations during his professional commitments. In 2021, Rothwell described fatherhood to as a profound motivation, noting how it enhanced his focus and resilience ahead of fights.

Business Ventures and Training

In addition to his combat sports career, Ben Rothwell owns and operates Rothwell Mixed Martial Arts, a training facility in , which he established in late upon returning to his hometown after years of professional fighting abroad. Initially created as a personal training space after Rothwell returned to Kenosha in late following his time training at , the gym has evolved into a community hub offering classes in , , , , , and fitness programs tailored for youth and adults. Rothwell expanded his business in June 2024 by purchasing the Rustic Dairyland Mall at 12009 53rd Place in Kenosha, intending to renovate the 12,000-square-foot property into a larger MMA gym to accommodate growing demand for training programs. The new facility officially opened on March 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Rothwell's entrepreneurial efforts to build a dedicated space for development in his community. Rothwell's training regimen began in 1999 at age 17 in Kenosha, where he developed foundational skills in wrestling and other disciplines before advancing under renowned coaches such as for and for MMA, earning black belt ranks in multiple arts. He now primarily trains at his own gym, integrating wrestling, striking, and techniques honed over two decades of professional competition, while also instructing classes focused on , technique refinement, and competitive preparation for students of all skill levels.

Championships and Accomplishments

Mixed Martial Arts Achievements

Ben Rothwell amassed a professional record of 39 wins and 14 losses over a career that spanned from 2001 to 2021, with the majority of his victories coming by or technical (28) and submission (7). His achievements highlight a durable presence, marked by undefeated runs in regional promotions and a competitive tenure in major organizations, where he secured upsets against elite competition. Rothwell's striking power and acumen allowed him to compete against six former or future UFC champions throughout his career, including , , , and . A cornerstone of Rothwell's early accomplishments was his 9-0 record in the (IFL) from 2006 to 2007, where he emerged as one of the promotion's top heavyweights. He won the 2006 IFL Heavyweight Championship Final by knocking out Devin Cole with a head kick at 3:16 of the first round, following a semifinal submission victory over Wojtek Kaszowski via keylock. Additional key IFL triumphs included a over Roy Nelson, a against in the 2007 Team Championship Final, and a rapid 13-second TKO of in a rematch, underscoring his dominance in the promotion's team-based format. During his UFC tenure from 2009 to 2021, Rothwell recorded a 9-8 mark, with standout victories establishing his reputation as a in the division. He submitted former UFC champion via in the second round at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader in 2016, ending Barnett's undefeated streak in the promotion. Other significant wins included a third-round TKO of at UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Mousasi in 2014, a first-round of in 2011, and technical knockouts against and . These performances, often against top-10 contenders, highlighted Rothwell's ability to mix power with submission threats, contributing to his longevity in the sport despite setbacks against champions like .

Bare-Knuckle Boxing Titles

Ben Rothwell captured the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Heavyweight Championship on January 25, 2025, at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, defeating reigning champion Mick Terrill via knockout at 0:36 of the first round. Rothwell, entering the bout with an undefeated 3-0 record in bare-knuckle boxing, overwhelmed Terrill with a series of powerful strikes, culminating in a decisive right hand that rendered the champion unconscious and unable to continue. This victory marked Rothwell's first professional title in bare-knuckle boxing and solidified his transition from mixed martial arts, where he had competed for over two decades. Prior to the title fight, Rothwell had built momentum in the BKFC division with quick finishes against established opponents, positioning him as the top contender. His path to the championship included a 19-second technical of Bobo O'Bannon in his debut at BKFC 30 in October 2022, a corner stoppage victory over Josh Copeland at BKFC 41 in April 2023 after dominating rounds of punishment, and a first-round technical of at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 in April 2024, where Duffee retired due to injury following multiple knockdowns. These performances, all ending inside the first round, highlighted Rothwell's power and pressure fighting style adapted to the bare-knuckle format. As of November 2025, Rothwell remains the undisputed BKFC Champion, with no successful defenses recorded since winning the belt. He was scheduled to compete for the inaugural BKFC Championship against Alex Simon at BKFC 79 in Perth, , on July 19, 2025, but the event was cancelled, leaving the division's title uncontested. Following the cancellation, a title defense against has been targeted for 2026, though no date has been confirmed as of November 2025. This opportunity would have represented Rothwell's bid for a second bare-knuckle title, expanding on his heavyweight reign amid the promotion's growing emphasis on larger weight classes.

Kickboxing Achievements

Rothwell also competed in professional , maintaining an undefeated 3-0 record.

Professional Records

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Ben Rothwell compiled a professional record of 39 wins and 14 losses, with no draws, across 53 bouts from 2002 to 2021. His victories consisted of 28 knockouts or technical knockouts, 7 submissions, and 4 decisions, while his defeats included 5 knockouts or technical knockouts, 2 submissions, and 7 decisions. Rothwell's early career featured regional promotions in the Midwest, where he built a foundation with quick finishes, including a 13-second of in 2007 during his tenure. In the IFL, he remained undefeated at 9-0, capturing the championship with notable wins over Roy Nelson and . Transitioning to major organizations, Rothwell debuted in the UFC in 2009, amassing a 9-8 record over 17 appearances, highlighted by a first-round of in 2012 and submissions against and in 2015. His UFC tenure ended with a first-round TKO loss to in November 2021.
BreakdownWinsLosses
KO/TKO285
Submission72
Decision47
Total3914

Bare-Knuckle Boxing Record

Ben Rothwell maintains an undefeated professional record of 4 wins and 0 losses, all achieved under the (BKFC) banner since his debut in 2022, as of November 2025. His victories demonstrate a pattern of early stoppages, with three first-round finishes and one in the third round, showcasing his power and striking precision. On January 25, 2025, Rothwell captured the BKFC with a first-round over defending champion Mick Terrill at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 in , . Rothwell's bare-knuckle career began with a dominant 19-second of Bobo O'Bannon via uppercut at BKFC 30 in , on October 1, 2022. He followed this with a third-round TKO against former BKFC Champion Josh Copeland at BKFC 41 in , , on April 30, 2023, overcoming an early deficit to secure the win. In 2024, Rothwell notched two rapid first-round stoppages: a 43-second TKO of at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 in , , on April 27, 2024, and his title-winning performance against Terrill.
ResultOpponentEventDateRoundTimeMethod
WinMick TerrillBKFC KnuckleMania 5Jan 25, 202510:36KO (punch)
WinBKFC KnuckleMania 4Apr 27, 202410:43TKO (punches)
WinJosh CopelandBKFC 41: Apr 30, 202332:00TKO (punches)
WinBobo O'BannonBKFC 30: Arnold Adams vs. Dustin GardnerOct 1, 202210:19KO (uppercut)
Record source: Official BKFC fighter profile.

Kickboxing Record

Ben Rothwell began his combat sports journey with a focus on before transitioning to . His professional career was marked by an undefeated record of 3 wins and 0 losses, achieved early in his competitive tenure. Details on Rothwell's specific bouts remain limited in public records, as major MMA databases like and Tapology primarily catalog his extensive MMA history. However, his undefeated streak underscores his foundational striking skills, which he later honed under specialist Jason Maxwell following an early MMA setback. This background contributed to his development as a well-rounded fighter.

References

  1. https://www.[sherdog](/page/Sherdog).com/fighter/Ben-Rothwell-2262
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.