Ben Rothwell (born October 17, 1981) is an American

mixed martial artist Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full-contact fighting sport based on striking and grappling; incorporating techniques from various combat sports from around the world. In the early 20th century, various inter-stylistic contests took place t ...

and bare-knuckle boxer who competes as a

Heavyweight Heavyweight is a weight class in combat sports and professional wrestling. Boxing Professional Male boxers who weigh over are considered heavyweights by 2 of the 4 major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation an ...

and is the current BKFC Heavyweight World Champion. He most notably had a 17 bout stint in the

Ultimate Fighting Championship The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter (entertainment), promotion company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is owned and operated by TKO Group Holdings, a majority owned subsidiary of Endeavor ( ...

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 M-1 Global (Mixfight-1) or MMA-1 (Mixed martial arts-1) is a mixed martial arts promotion based in St. Petersburg, Russia which organizes between 10 and 20 competitions per year. It hosted its first major show (rather than co-promoting with oth ...

, and

King of the Cage King of the Cage (KOTC) is a mixed martial arts promotion based in Southern California, United States. History KOTC was founded in 1998 by Terry Trebilcock Jr. KOTC features mostly amateur as well as up and coming MMA stars and former mainstre ...

. He also competed for the

World Series of Fighting The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is an American mixed martial arts league founded by venture capitalist Donn Davis in 2017 and launched in 2018, following the acquisition and restructuring of the former World Series of Fighting (WSOF) promot ...

and

Absolute Championship Berkut Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formerly known as Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), is a Chechen mixed martial arts, kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu organization and one of the leading promotions in Europe. To date, most events have been ...

. Since his departure from the UFC in 2022, Rothwell has competed in the Heavyweight division of the

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is an American bare-knuckle boxing promotion based in Philadelphia. The promotion was founded in April 2018, and is presided over by David Feldman. BKFC is the first promotion to hold an official st ...

, where he is the current BKFC Heavyweight Champion. As of April 4, 2025, he is tied at #6 in the BKFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.

Background

Rothwell is from

Kenosha, Wisconsin Kenosha () is a city in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is the List of cities in Wisconsin, fourth-most populous city in Wisconsin, with a population of 99,986 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. S ...

, and both of his parents work in the restaurant business. His parents own a catering company. He is of Norwegian and Irish descent. Rothwell was an active child but suffered a bout with spinal

meningitis Meningitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, collectively called the meninges. The most common symptoms are fever, intense headache, vomiting and neck stiffness and occasion ...

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. 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 Self-defense (self-defence primarily in Commonwealth English) is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of Force (law), ...

. 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.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

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 Miletich Fighting Systems (MFS) was a mixed martial arts (MMA) training organization. It was recognized as an excellent training camp. It has been the training camp for fighters such as Matt Hughes, Tim Sylvia, Jens Pulver, Robbie Lawler, an ...

fighter,

Tim Sylvia Timothy Deane Sylvia (born March 5, 1976) is an American retired mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, professional wrestler, and a former two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. He has competed as a Super Heavyweight and Heavyweight. While he is best kn ...

. 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 Patrick Jay Miletich (; born March 9, 1968) is a retired Americans, American mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist and former sports commentator. He is known for his fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he became the first UFC W ...

. Like several other fighters in the promotion, Rothwell was competing for the coach who he trained regularly.

International Fight League

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 The uppercut (formerly known as the undercut) is a punch used in boxing that starts low and travels upwards vertically aiming at the opponent's chin or upper abdomen (so-called " solar plexus"). It is, along with the cross, one of the two main p ...

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 Ricco Rodriguez (born August 19, 1977) is an American former mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight (MMA), heavyweight division. A professional competitor from 1999 to 2019, he competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, ...

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 Renzo Gracie (; born March 11, 1967) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and 7th degree coral belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and coach. A third generation member of the Gracie family, he is the grandson of Gracie jiu-jitsu co-founder C ...

'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.

Affliction

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

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. After the fight, UFC president

Dana White Dana Frederick White Jr. (born July 28, 1969) is an American businessman who is the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a global mixed martial arts organization. In August 2019, White's net worth was estimated at . Out ...

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. However, Rothwell had to withdraw from the event, just days prior, due to an illness and was replaced by Anthony Perosh. Rothwell then fought

Gilbert Yvel Gilbert Yvel (born 30 June 1976) is a Dutch professional mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 1997, Yvel competed in the Pride Fighting Championships, PRIDE Fighting Championships, Affliction Entertainment, A ...

on June 15, 2010, at UFC 115 where he won by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28). Rothwell tore his ACL during his first takedown attempt, which required post-fight surgery. Rothwell also suffered a

deviated septum Nasal septum deviation is a physical disorder of the nose, involving a displacement of the nasal septum. Some displacement is common, affecting 80% of people, mostly without their knowledge. Signs and symptoms The nasal septum is the bone and ...

from a head kick during the first round. After an extended layoff, Rothwell fought Mark Hunt on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135. 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. Rothwell was expected to face Travis Browne at UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera, but pulled out due to an injury Rothwell faced Gabriel Gonzaga on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping He lost the fight via submission in the second round. Rothwell faced

Brandon Vera Brandon Michael Vera (born October 10, 1977), or also known by his ring name as The Truth, is a Filipino and American retired mixed martial artist where he was the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Champion and the 2005 WEC Heavyweight Grand Prix Champ ...

at UFC 164 on August 31, 2013. 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. Rothwell was briefly linked to a bout with Ruslan Magomedov for on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177. However, on July 9, the UFC announced he would face

Alistair Overeem Alistair Cees Overeem (born 17 May 1980) is a Dutch former professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He is a former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Heavyweight Champion, K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, and was the first fight ...

on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50. Rothwell won the fight via TKO in the first round. The win also earned Rothwell his first ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award. Rothwell faced Matt Mitrione on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68. He won the fight via submission in the first round, the first submission win of his UFC career. Rothwell was expected to face Stipe Miocic on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76. However, Miocic pulled out of the fight on October 13 citing injury. 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. Rothwell next faced Josh Barnett on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18. 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. The win also earned Rothwell his second ''Performance of the Night'' bonus award. Rothwell faced

Junior dos Santos Junior dos Santos (; born 30 January 1984) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler who competes in the Heavyweight division. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA Heavyweigh ...

on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Rothwell was expected to face Fabrício Werdum on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203. However, Rothwell pulled out of the fight on August 11 citing a knee injury and was replaced by Travis Browne. The bout with Werdum was rescheduled and expected to take place on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211. 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. Having served his suspension, Rothwell returned to face

Blagoy Ivanov Blagoy Ivanov (; born October 9, 1986) is a Bulgarian mixed martial artist and Sambo practitioner who is currently signed to the PFL, but on suspension due to testing positive to anabolic steroids. He previously competed for the Ultimate Fighti ...

on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146. He lost the fight by unanimous decision. A rematch with Andrei Arlovski took place on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Rothwell faced Stefan Struve on December 7, 2019, at

UFC on ESPN 7 ''UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik'' (also known as '' UFC on ESPN 7'') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on December 7, 2019 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., United States. ...

. He won the fight via technical knockout in round two. 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. Rothwell was scheduled to face Gian Villante on April 18, 2020, at

UFC 249 ''UFC 249: Ferguson vs. Gaethje'' was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on May 9, 2020 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States. It was originally planned to ...

. However, the event and Rothwell's scheduled bout against Villante was canceled due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...

. Rothwell faced Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira on May 13, 2020. He won the fight via split decision. Rothwell faced Marcin Tybura on October 11, 2020 at

UFC Fight Night 179 ''UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen'' (also known as ''UFC Fight Night 179'', ''UFC on ESPN+ 37'' and ''UFC Fight Island 5'') was a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that took place on October 11, 2020 at ...

. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Rothwell was scheduled to face Philipe Lins on March 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 187. 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 the bout was rescheduled on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24. While Rothwell made weight without issue, Lins never showed up to the weigh-ins and withdrew from the bout due to an illness. The bout was rescheduled again for May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt. However, yet again, Lins was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by newcomer Askhar Mozharov. Just hours later, the Ukrainian announced he would not be able to get a visa in time for the event, and he was replaced by Chris Barnett. He won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the second round. Rothwell faced Marcos Rogério de Lima on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197. 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. Rothwell was scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson on May 21, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 206. However, at the end of March, it was announced that Rothwell asked for his release and it was granted from the UFC.

Bare-knuckle boxing

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

On April 25, 2022, it was announced that Rothwell joined

. He won his first two fights with the promotion. 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. The fight against Duffee was rescheduled for BKFC Knucklemania IV in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024. Rothwell won the fight by technical knockout after Duffee was knocked down and injured in the first round. Rothwell competed for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship against champion Mick Terrill on January 25, 2025 at BKFC Knucklemania V. He won the championship by knockout in the first round. This fight earned him another ''Knockout of the Night'' award. Rothwell is scheduled to face Alex Simon at BKFC 79 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on July 19, 2025.

Personal life

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. Rothwell is married and has a daughter and a son, Odin (born 2021). 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

Mixed martial arts

** Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Brendan Schaub ** Performance of the Night (Two times) vs.

, Josh Barnett **UFC.com Awards ***2014: Ranked #5 Upset of the Year *** 2016: Submission of the Year *United States Mixed Martial Arts **USMMA Heavyweight Championship (One time; first) *MMADNA.nl **2016 Submission of the Year

Bare-knuckle boxing

* BKFC World Heavyweight Championship (One time, current) ** Knockout of the Night (Two times) vs. Bobo O'Bannon and Mick Terrill

Mixed martial arts record

, - , Loss , align=center, 39–14 , Marcos Rogério de Lima , TKO (punches) , UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Rodríguez , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:32 ,

Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas, colloquially referred to as Vegas, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and the county seat of Clark County. The Las Vegas Valley metropolitan area is the largest within the greater Mojave Desert, and second-l ...

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 39–13 , Chris Barnett , Submission (guillotine choke) , UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 2:07 ,

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 38–13 , Marcin Tybura , Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The city is the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District, the capital city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE's List of cities in the United Arab Emirates, second-most popu ...

, United Arab Emirates , , - , Win , align=center, 38–12 , Ovince Saint Preux , Decision (split) , UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville ( ) is the most populous city proper in the U.S. state of Florida, located on the Atlantic coast of North Florida, northeastern Florida. It is the county seat of Duval County, Florida, Duval County, with which the City of Jacksonv ...

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 37–12 , Stefan Struve , TKO (punches) , UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik , , align=center, 2 , align=center, 4:57 ,

Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly known as Washington or D.C., is the capital city and federal district of the United States. The city is on the Potomac River, across from Virginia, and shares land borders with ...

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 36–12 , Andrei Arlovski , Decision (unanimous) , UFC on ESPN: dos Anjos vs. Edwards , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

San Antonio, Texas San Antonio ( ; Spanish for "Anthony of Padua, Saint Anthony") is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the most populous city in Greater San Antonio. San Antonio is the List of Texas metropolitan areas, third-largest metropolitan area in Texa ...

, United States , , - , Loss , align=center, 36–11 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. dos Santos , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 5:00 ,

Wichita, Kansas Wichita ( ) is the List of cities in Kansas, most populous city in the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Sedgwick County, Kansas, Sedgwick County. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population of the city was 397, ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 36–10 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC Fight Night: Rothwell vs. dos Santos , , style="text-align:center;", 5 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 ,

Zagreb Zagreb ( ) is the capital (political), capital and List of cities and towns in Croatia#List of cities and towns, largest city of Croatia. It is in the Northern Croatia, north of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the ...

, Croatia , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 36–9 , Josh Barnett , Submission (guillotine choke) , UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 3:48 ,

Newark, New Jersey Newark ( , ) is the List of municipalities in New Jersey, most populous City (New Jersey), city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, the county seat of Essex County, New Jersey, Essex County, and a principal city of the New York metropolitan area. ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 35–9 , Matt Mitrione , Submission (guillotine choke) , UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:54 ,

New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans (commonly known as NOLA or The Big Easy among other nicknames) is a Consolidated city-county, consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 34–9 ,

, TKO (punches) , UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 2:19 ,

Mashantucket, Connecticut Mashantucket is a census-designated place (CDP) in the northeastern part of the town of Ledyard, New London County, Connecticut, United States. It consists of land held by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe. The Foxwoods Resort Casino Foxwoods Re ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 33–9 ,

, TKO (punches) , UFC 164 , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 1:54 ,

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Milwaukee is the List of cities in Wisconsin, most populous city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the List of United States cities by population, 31st-most populous city in the United States ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 32–9 , Gabriel Gonzaga , Submission (guillotine choke) , UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 1:01 ,

São Paulo São Paulo (; ; Portuguese for 'Paul the Apostle, Saint Paul') is the capital of the São Paulo (state), state of São Paulo, as well as the List of cities in Brazil by population, most populous city in Brazil, the List of largest cities in the ...

, Brazil , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 32–8 , Brendan Schaub , KO (punches) , UFC 145 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:10 ,

Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 31–8 , Mark Hunt , Decision (unanimous) , UFC 135 , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 ,

Denver, Colorado Denver ( ) is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county, the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Colorado, most populous city of the U.S. state of ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 31–7 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , UFC 115 , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 ,

Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...

British Columbia British Columbia is the westernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Situated in the Pacific Northwest between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the province has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that ...

, Canada , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 30–7 , Cain Velasquez , TKO (punches) , UFC 104 , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 0:58 ,

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 30–6 , Chris Guillen , TKO (submission to elbows) , Adrenaline MMA 2: Miletich vs. Denny , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:30 ,

Moline, Illinois Moline ( ) is a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. With a population of 42,985 in the 2020 census, it is the largest city in Rock Island County and the List of municipalities in Illinois, ninth-most populous in Illinois outside ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 29–6 , Andrei Arlovski , KO (punches) , Affliction: Banned , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 1:13 ,

Anaheim, California Anaheim ( ) is a city in northern Orange County, California, United States, part of the Greater Los Angeles area. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the city had a population of 346,824, making it the most populous city in Orang ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 29–5 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , IFL: 2007 Team Championship final , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 4:00 ,

Hollywood, Florida Hollywood is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is a suburb in the Miami metropolitan area. The population of Hollywood was 153,067 as of 2020, making it the Broward County#Communities, third-largest city in Broward County, th ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 28–5 , Krzysztof Soszyński , TKO (punches) , IFL: 2007 semifinals , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 0:13 ,

East Rutherford, New Jersey East Rutherford is a Borough (New Jersey), borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, Bergen County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is an inner suburb, inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan. As of the 2020 Unit ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 27–5 , Travis Fulton , Submission (kimura) , IFL: Chicago , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 3:11 ,

Chicago, Illinois Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 26–5 , Roy Nelson , Decision (split) , IFL: Moline , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 4:00 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 25–5 , Matt Thompson , TKO (punches) , IFL: Houston , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 1:47 ,

Houston, Texas Houston ( ) is the List of cities in Texas by population, most populous city in the U.S. state of Texas and in the Southern United States. Located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is the county seat, seat of ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 24–5 , Devin Cole , KO (head kick) , IFL: Championship final , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:16 ,

Uncasville, Connecticut Uncasville is a village in the town of Montville, Connecticut, United States. It is located in southeastern Montville, at the mouth of the Oxoboxo River where it flows into the Thames River. The name is now applied more generally to all of the ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 23–5 , Wojtek Kaszowski , Submission (americana) , IFL: World Championship semifinals , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:14 ,

Portland, Oregon Portland ( ) is the List of cities in Oregon, most populous city in the U.S. state of Oregon, located in the Pacific Northwest region. Situated close to northwest Oregon at the confluence of the Willamette River, Willamette and Columbia River, ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 22–5 , Bryan Vetell , KO (punch) , IFL: Gracie vs. Miletich , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:17 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 21–5 , Krzysztof Soszyński , TKO (punches) , IFL: Legends Championship 2006 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:59 ,

Atlantic City, New Jersey Atlantic City, sometimes referred to by its initials A.C., is a Jersey Shore seaside resort city (New Jersey), city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, Atlantic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Atlantic City comprises the second half of ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 20–5 , Dan Bobish , KO (knee) , GFC: Team Gracie vs Team Hammer House , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 4:20 ,

Columbus, Ohio Columbus (, ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities in Ohio, most populous city of the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 United States census, 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the List of United States ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 19–5 , Joey Smith , TKO (submission to punches) , ISCF: Gladiators X , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", N/A ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 18–5 , Don Richard , TKO (punches) , KOTC: Conquest , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:32 ,

Calgary Calgary () is a major city in the Canadian province of Alberta. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 1,306,784 and a metropolitan population of 1,481,806 making it the third-largest city and fifth-largest metropolitan area in C ...

Alberta Alberta is a Provinces and territories of Canada, province in Canada. It is a part of Western Canada and is one of the three Canadian Prairies, prairie provinces. Alberta is bordered by British Columbia to its west, Saskatchewan to its east, t ...

, Canada , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 17–5 , Allan Weickert , TKO (punches) , GFS: Fight Nite in the Flats , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:45 ,

Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County. Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, it is situated across the Canada–United States border, Canada–U.S. maritime border ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 16–5 , Dan Christison , Submission (kimura) , Euphoria: USA vs World , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 0:57 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 16–4 , Jonathan Wiezorek , TKO (punches) , Euphoria: Road to the Titles , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:09 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 15–4 , Matt Bear , TKO (submission to punches) , Ultimate Throwdown , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 2:57 ,

Des Moines, Iowa Des Moines is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of cities in Iowa, most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa. It is the county seat of Polk County, Iowa, Polk County with parts extending into Warren County, Iowa, Wa ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 14–4 , Carlos Barreto , KO (head kick) , Heat FC 1: Genesis , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", N/A , Natal, Brazil , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 14–3 , Royce Louck , TKO (doctor stoppage) , Freestyle Combat Challenge 11 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", N/A ,

Racine, Wisconsin Racine ( ) is a city in Racine County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River (Wisconsin), Root River, south of Milwaukee and north of Chicago. It is the List ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 13–3 , Ibragim Magomedov , TKO (retirement) , M-1 MFC: Russia vs. the World 4 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 10:00 ,

St. Petersburg Saint Petersburg, formerly known as Petrograd and later Leningrad, is the second-largest city in Russia after Moscow. It is situated on the River Neva, at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea. The city had a population of 5,601, ...

, Russia , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 13–2 , Travis Fulton , TKO (injury) , Freestyle Combat Challenge 8 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 12–2 , Johnathan Ivey , TKO (doctor stoppage) , USMMA 2: Ring of Fury , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:14 ,

Lowell, Massachusetts Lowell () is a city in Massachusetts, United States. Alongside Cambridge, Massachusetts, Cambridge, it is one of two traditional county seat, seats of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Middlesex County. With an estimated population of 115,554 in ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 11–2 , Mike Whitehead , Decision (unanimous) , rowspan=2 , SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 2 , rowspan=2 , , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 , rowspan=2 ,

Honolulu, Hawaii Honolulu ( ; ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the county seat of the Consolidated city-county, consolidated City and County of Honol ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 11–1 , Kerry Schall , TKO (neck injury) , style="text-align:center;", 2 , style="text-align:center;", 2:10 , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 10–1 , Curtis Crawford , Submission (forearm choke) , SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 1 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:03 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 9–1 , Mike Priest , TKO (injury) , Freestyle Combat Challenge 7 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", N/A ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 8–1 , Mike Radnov , TKO (doctor stoppage) , rowspan=2 , Extreme Challenge 46 , rowspan=2 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 5:54 , rowspan=2 , Clive, Iowa, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 7–1 , Kerry Schall , TKO (foot injury) , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 7:29 , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 6–1 , Mike Marshalleck , TKO (punches) , Freestyle Combat Challenge 6 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 0:38 ,

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 5–1 , Steve Hutson , Submission (arm-triangle choke) , SC 8: Fight Night , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 3:35 ,

LaSalle, Illinois LaSalle or La Salle is a city in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States, located at the intersection of Interstates 39 and 80. It is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. Originally platted in 1837 over , the city's boundaries ...

, United States , , - , Loss , style="text-align:center;", 4–1 ,

, Decision (unanimous) , Extreme Challenge 42 , , style="text-align:center;", 3 , style="text-align:center;", 5:00 ,

Davenport, Iowa Davenport ( ) is a city in Scott County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. It is situated along the Mississippi River on the eastern border of the state. Davenport had a population of 101,724 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 cen ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 4–0 , Billy Herrington , TKO (submission to knees) , Iowa Challenge 2 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:07 ,

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Cedar Rapids is a city in Linn County, Iowa, United States, and its county seat. The population was 137,710 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the List of cities in Iowa, second-most populous city in Iowa. The city lies o ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 3–0 , Darren Block , KO (punch) , rowspan=2 , Dangerzone: Auburn , rowspan=2 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 0:16 , rowspan=2 ,

Auburn, Indiana Auburn is a city in DeKalb County, Indiana, United States. The population was 13,412 at the 2020 census. Founded in 1836 by Wesley Park (1811–1868), the city is the county seat of DeKalb County. Auburn is also known as ''Home of the Classics' ...

, United States , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 2–0 , Anthony Ferguson , TKO (referee stoppage) , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 1:00 , , - , Win , style="text-align:center;", 1–0 , Rob Shinkle , TKO (corner stoppage) , Freestyle Combat Challenge 3 , , style="text-align:center;", 1 , style="text-align:center;", 0:21 ,

, United States , , -

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

, - bgcolor="#CCFFCC" , 2005-10-21 , , Win , , align=left, Justice Smith , , ISCF: Colosseum Returns , , Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA , , DQ (low blows) , , 1 , , N/A , - , - bgcolor="#CCFFCC" , 2005-01-23 , , Win , , align=left, Nobu Hayashi , , Shootboxing 2005: Ground Zero Fukuoka , , Fukuoka, Japan , , Decision (unanimous) , , 3 , , 3:00 , - , colspan=8 , Legend:

Bare knuckle boxing record

, - , Win , align=center, 4–0 , Mick Terrill , KO (punch) , BKFC Knucklemania V , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:36 ,

Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a U.S. state, state spanning the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern United States, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes region, Great Lakes regions o ...

, United States , , - , - , Win , align=center, 3–0 , Todd Duffee , TKO (injury) , BKFC: Knucklemania IV , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:43 ,

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 2–0 , Josh Copeland , TKO (corner stoppage) , BKFC 41 , , align=center, 3 , align=center, 2:00 ,

Broomfield, Colorado Broomfield is a List of municipalities in Colorado#Consolidated city and county, consolidated city and county located in the United States, U.S. Colorado, state of Colorado. It has a consolidated government which operates under Article XX, Sect ...

, United States , , - , Win , align=center, 1–0 , Bobo O'Bannon , KO (punch) , BKFC 30 , , align=center, 1 , align=center, 0:19 ,

Monroe, Louisiana Monroe is the ninth-largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and is the parish seat and largest city of Ouachita Parish. With a 2020 census-tabulated population of 47,702, it is the principal city of the Monroe metropolitan statistical ...

, United States ,

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Rothwell, Ben Living people 1981 births American people of Irish descent American people of Norwegian descent American male mixed martial artists Mixed martial artists from Wisconsin Heavyweight mixed martial artists Mixed martial artists utilizing shootboxing Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu American male kickboxers Kickboxers from Wisconsin American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu Heavyweight kickboxers Sportspeople from Kenosha, Wisconsin Waukesha County Technical College alumni Doping cases in mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters