Ought to his callout of Francis Ngannou fall on deaf ears, BKFC star Ben Rothwell seems to be to have a minimum of one different high-profile choice for his subsequent combat.
Rothwell has established himself as a dominant drive in bare-knuckle boxing since his 17-fight tenure below the UFC banner reached its conclusion in 2021.
“Huge Ben” has gone 4-0 below the BKFC banner, with each win coming by way of knockout. His most up-to-date triumph was at this previous weekend’s KnuckleMania V occasion in Philadelphia, the place the 43-year-old powerhouse delivered an early Knockout of the 12 months contender.
Along with his violent 36-second KO of Mick Terrill, Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight title. Loads of eyes will little doubt now be on the veteran’s subsequent outing, and he’s setting his sights excessive.
Throughout his post-fight press convention, Rothwell name-dropped a former UFC champion and the present PFL Tremendous Fights heavyweight titleholder as a possible opponent.
“Francis Ngannou possibly,” Rothwell mentioned. “We have to get some massive names on this. I don’t know who’s on the roster, particularly after tonight, that’s leaping in to combat me. They’ll say it however when it actually comes all the way down to it and I’m standing in entrance of you, issues change.”
Whether or not or not that would come to fruition stays to be seen. Ngannou is tied up with the PFL and anticipated to discover boxing choices in 2025 following battles with Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
However ought to that rule “The Predator” out, one other former UFC heavyweight is within the project.
“U positive u need the smoke @rothwellfighter lets see it then,” Mark Hunt wrote on X.
Rothwell and Hunt are conversant in each other, having shared the Octagon at UFC 135 again in 2011. “The Tremendous Samoan” emerged victorious on the occasion, outpointing his American counterpart throughout three rounds.
Whereas “Huge Ben” has been racking up wins in BKFC, the New Zealander hasn’t competed since defeating rugby legend Sonny Invoice Williams within the boxing ring three years in the past. He’s remained within the headlines on account of his authorized dispute with the UFC.
