Heavyweight MMA legends Andrei Arlovski and Ben Rothwell will collide for a third time, but there’s a twist. The pair of veteran knockout artists will compete this time under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) banner as the headlining bout for the BKFC: Knucklemania VI event, which is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2026 from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Rothwell will be attempting to defend his BKFC Heavyweight crown for the first time, as well as maintaining his undefeated (4-0) record in bare knuckle boxing. Arlovski, meanwhile, is 1-0 in BKFC, having knocked out Josh Copeland back in June at BKFC 76. He has the advantage of plenty of history with the champion, however, as well as being one of the bigger Heavyweight names on the roster.
Rothwell and Arlovski first fought in July 2008 under the Affliction banner with Arlovski stopping the durable “Big Ben” in the third round. Over a decade later in 2019, they rematched inside the Octagon, and Arlovski was again victorious via a unanimous decision. Perhaps the change in rule set and another seven years is precisely the recipe for a Rothwell revenge story?
Time will tell.
Also on the BKFC: Knucklemania VI card is the return of Yoel Romero! At 48 years of age, Romero has put together a 3-0 record in bare knuckle competition if both his BKFC and Dirty Boxing victories are considered. He’ll be facing active Light Heavyweight champion Lorenzo Hunt in a catchweight bout at 210 pounds. Though the title isn’t on the line, it’s the stiffest test yet of Romero’s burgeoning bare knuckle career.
@Thrill_Hammer
@ReedRothchild
Et All
I love Arloski and his big pee pee but I’d put my money on Big Ben
So we’re never getting that Perdomo fight are we?
BKFC matchmaking is fucking retarded.
Moolah Grab anyway HH i mean cmon
I know what they are doing but it’s still frustrating as a fan. Look at the announcement on Instagram… Everyone is saying the same thing.
I think Perdomo is 10-0 in the promotion now all KOs and still no title shot. Meanwhile Arlovski has 1 win in the promotion. I sit through all these events and watch their careers play out. Of course I want to see the most exciting fighter on the roster and the most deserving people get the title shot.
They are blowing it with Perdomo!
HH4L !!!
I rather see this in DBX
Among today’s announcements will be the mystery fighters competing in the main and co-main events, along with fighter face offs. Some of the local talent on hand includes John Garbarino Jr., Zed Montanez, Pat Brady, Pat Sullivan, Joey Dawejko, and Lex Ludlow, among others. There’s also a very good chance that part-owner and “saved” UFC fighter Conor McGregor will be in attendance to help entice fans to pack the 2300 Arena.
In fucking sane
I think both guys really found their calling in BKFC but Rothwell is going to murdalize Arlovsky, imo.
Fuck off with the, "at Conor McGregors BKFC”
IT IS , He bought 10% IIRC , but hes part owner !!!
but i hear ya