Escaping from a bareknuckle boxing bout unscathed is a rare occurrence, but that’s exactly what heavyweight UFC veteran did in his debut at BKFC 30.
Ben Rothwell stepped through the BKFC ropes to compete in combat sports for the first time since his UFC departure last November. Standing across the circular ring was Bobo O’Bannon, a bareknuckle fighter entering the contest with a record of 3-3 with three knockouts.
BKFC 30 took place at Fant Ewing Coliseum in Monroe, La. Rothwell vs. O’Bannon served as the co-main event.
O’Bannon would not be standing for long after the fight started.
The moment the referee signaled to begin, Rothwell rushed across the ring and let his hands fly. Sharp punches repeatedly found the mark, hurting O’Bannon instantly. A hard right uppercut from Rothwell landed flush on the chin, and O’Bannon dropped to the canvas.
STATEMENT made by @RothwellFighter in his BKFC debut. It took him less than 20 seconds to dispatch Bobo O'Bannon.
Welcome to BKFC, Big Ben.#BKFC30 is LIVE on #FITE: https://t.co/vmXMQiKCk1 pic.twitter.com/fDnWBCxEA9
— FITE (@FiteTV) October 2, 2022
Rothwell calmly walked away as the referee began his count, and it was clear O’Bannon would not return to his feet. The official time of the stoppage was 18 seconds into the first round.
After the fight, Rothwell delivered a message to the heavyweight division.
“I’d say I was going to put the heavyweights on notice,” Rothwell said. “But I believe there’s actually more questions now. That didn’t show it. And I need everyone, if you’re a fan, to let Dave Feldman know and the BKFC know that you want to see what I can really do, and as soon as possible.
“To every heavyweight out there watching, you need to know, you have seen nothing yet.”
.@RothwellFighter is as exciting on the mic as he is in combat.
He's putting the heavyweight division on notice.#BKFC30 is LIVE on #FITE: https://t.co/vmXMQist5T pic.twitter.com/zK8ceOtbtQ
— FITE (@FiteTV) October 2, 2022
Rothwell exited the UFC after a loss to Marcos Rogerio de Lima at UFC Fight Night 197. He debuted against Cain Velasquez at UFC 104 in 2009, and throughout his 17-fight run with the promotion recorded 9 wins.
