Ben Rothwell Explains Release and Signs with BKFC

The strange UFC cut came off of a fight announcement back in February that Rothwell would be facing a returning Alexander Gustafsson on May 21st. Rothwell’s release threw off many fans as this may have been one of the first times a fighter was released when they had an upcoming fight already scheduled.

Ben Rothwell’s Strange UFC Release Explained

Much of this was cleared up on Ariel Helwani’s, Monday April 25th edition of the MMA Hour. Knowing it was the last fight on his deal Rothwell (39-14, 9-8 UFC) claims there was not a substantial future in the UFC and decided to request his release, instead of the UFC terminating his contract.

As a free agent scoping the current combat sports landscape, Rothwell had multiple suitors but one promotion stood out the most to him, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. This is not the most surprising move as many MMA veterans from various high profile promotions, such as: Chris Leben, Joey Beltran, Mike Perry, and Julian Lane, have been getting picked up by the top bare knuckle fighting league.

It seems as if Rothwell is setting himself up for the future. When talking about his deal he say, “I am a six figure fighter but if I win my next three fights, I will be a seven figure fighter.” Numbers he may have never been able to do his entire UFC career.

This is was very interesting news for the combat sports community that will add more eyes to BKFC, Ben Rothwell’s revitalized career, and his upcoming debut.

What We Know So Far About the Contract

From this latest interview here are details/ideas on the BKFC deal and debut:

• Fights on deal: 3
• Division: Heavyweight
• Debut Date: TBA (Rothwell claims will be set by end of week)
• Debut Opponent: TBA (someone already on the roster)