Ben Rothwell

{{Infobox martial artist

| name = Ben Rothwell

| other_names = Big Ben, King of Kenosha

| image = File:Ben Rothwell BKFC.jpg

| alt =

| caption = Ben Rothwell at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

| birth_name = Ben Rothwell

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|10|17}}

| birth_place = Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| death_cause =

| residence =

| height = 6 ft 4 in

| weight_lb = 265

| weight_class = Heavyweight

| reach = 78+1/2 in{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ben-rothwell|title=Ben Rothwell UFC Profile|work=UFC.com|date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=March 10, 2019}}

| style =

| stance =

| fighting_out_of = Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S.

| team = Rothwell MMA
Miletich Fighting Systems (2004–2009)
Roufusport (2004–2010){{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/08/ben-rothwell-reunites-duke-roufusport-before-ufc-on-espn-7|title=Skidding Ben Rothwell reunites with Roufusport ahead of UFC on ESPN 7|date=August 20, 2019|author=Mike Bohn|publisher=mmajunkie.com}}

| rank = Black Belt MFS Miletich Fighting Systems.
Black Belt Roufus Sports.
Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

| years_active = 2001–present (MMA)

| mma_kowin = 28

| mma_subwin = 7

| mma_decwin = 4

| mma_koloss = 5

| mma_subloss = 2

| mma_decloss = 7

| mma_draw =

| mma_nc =

| kickbox_win = 3

| kickbox_loss = 0

| url =

| sherdog = 2262

| footnotes =

| updated = March 8, 2010

}}

Ben Rothwell (born October 17, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist and bare-knuckle boxer who competes as a Heavyweight and is the current BKFC Heavyweight World Champion. He most notably had a 17 bout stint in the Ultimate Fighting Championship 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, and King of the Cage. He also competed for the World Series of Fighting and Absolute Championship Berkut.

Since his departure from the UFC in 2022, Rothwell has competed in the Heavyweight division of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, 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.{{Cite web |title=BKFC Fighters - Pound for Pound Rankings|url=https://www.bkfc.com/fighters/division/p4p|access-date=2025-04-04|website=Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship}}

Background

Rothwell is from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and both of his parents work in the restaurant business. His parents own a catering company. He is of Norwegian and Irish descent."I'm 1/2 Irish" - https://twitter.com/RothwellFighter/status/663897431864557568 Rothwell was an active child but suffered a bout with spinal meningitis 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. 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.Guida, Bill [http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/mma_fighters_new_venture_emphasizes_discipline_selfimprovement_309088069.html MMA fighter's new venture emphasizes discipline, self-improvement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029210931/http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/mma_fighters_new_venture_emphasizes_discipline_selfimprovement_309088069.html |date=October 29, 2014 }}. Kenosha News

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 fighter, Tim Sylvia. 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. 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 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 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'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.[http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Rothwell-2262 Ben Rothwell MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography]. Sherdog.com.

=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.[http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-104-Results-and-Live-Play-by-Play-20487 UFC 104 Results and Live Play-by-Play]. Sherdog.com (October 25, 2009). Retrieved on January 3, 2014. After the fight, UFC president Dana White 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.{{cite news| url= http://mmajunkie.com/news/16742/ben-rothwell-and-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-likely-to-meet-at-ufc-110.mma| title= Ben Rothwell and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic likely to meet at UFC 110| publisher= mmajunkie.com| access-date= November 5, 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091108012100/http://mmajunkie.com/news/16742/ben-rothwell-and-mirko-cro-cop-filipovic-likely-to-meet-at-ufc-110.mma| archive-date= November 8, 2009| url-status= dead}} However, Rothwell had to withdraw from the event, just days prior, due to an illness and was replaced by Anthony Perosh.[http://www.fighters.com/02/19/ufc-110-anthony-perosh-replaces-ben-rothwell-versus-mirko-cro-cop UFC 110: Anthony Perosh Replaces Ben Rothwell Versus Mirko Cro Cop] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426084602/http://www.fighters.com/02/19/ufc-110-anthony-perosh-replaces-ben-rothwell-versus-mirko-cro-cop |date=April 26, 2010 }}. Fighters.com (February 19, 2010). Retrieved on January 3, 2014.

Rothwell then fought Gilbert Yvel on June 15, 2010, at UFC 115 where he won by unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, and 29–28).[http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=78621 The Official Website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222195720/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=78621 |date=February 22, 2010 }}. UFC (December 30, 2013). Retrieved on January 3, 2014. Rothwell tore his ACL during his first takedown attempt, which required post-fight surgery.Brady, Cory. (July 30, 2010) [http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2010/07/30/ben-rothwell-out-nine-months-with-torn-acl/ Ben Rothwell out nine months with torn ACL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901061954/http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2010/07/30/ben-rothwell-out-nine-months-with-torn-acl/ |date=September 1, 2010 }}. Five Ounces of Pain. Retrieved on January 3, 2014. Rothwell also suffered a deviated septum from a head kick during the first round.[http://www.fightofthenight.com/news/ufc-heavyweight-ben-rothwell-out-for-9-months-due-to-acl-tear/ UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell Out For 9 Months Due To ACL Tear]. Fightofthenight.com. July 30, 2010.

After an extended layoff, Rothwell fought Mark Hunt on September 24, 2011, at UFC 135.{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/6/13/2222768/ben-rothwell-vs-mark-hunt-projected-for-ufc-135|title= Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt Projected for UFC 135 |publisher=bloodyelbow.com |access-date=June 13, 2011}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ufc-145-fighter-bonuses-handed-070919199--mma.html|title=UFC 145 Fighter Bonuses Handed Out to the Tune of $65,000 Each|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=June 2, 2012}}

Rothwell was expected to face Travis Browne at UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera, but pulled out due to an injury{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27068/ufc-145-gets-mcdonald-vs-torres-blanco-vs-brimage-seven-bouts-shift-to-atlanta.mma.mma|title=UFC 145; seven bouts shift to Atlanta|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 20, 2012}}{{dead link|date=July 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Rothwell faced Gabriel Gonzaga on January 19, 2013, at UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2012/11/heavyweights-ben-rothwell-gabriel-gonzaga-targeted-for-jan-19-ufc-card-in-brazil/|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|author=Erickson, Matt|date=November 2, 2012|access-date=November 2, 2012|title=Heavyweights Ben Rothwell, Gabriel Gonzaga targeted for Jan. 19 UFC card in Brazil}} He lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Rothwell faced Brandon Vera at UFC 164 on August 31, 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/ben-rothwell-vs-brandon-vera-heavyweight-bout-targeted-for-ufc-164-in-milwaukee|title=Ben Rothwell vs. Brandon Vera heavyweight bout targeted for UFC 164 in Milwaukee |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |author=Marrocco, Steven|date=May 14, 2013|access-date=May 14, 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-trumps-wisconsin-commission-suspends-ben-rothwell-for-elevated-testosterone|title=UFC trumps Wisconsin, suspends Ben Rothwell for elevated testosterone |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |author=Marrocco, Steven |date=October 3, 2013|access-date=October 3, 2013}}

Rothwell was briefly linked to a bout with Ruslan Magomedov for on August 30, 2014, at UFC 177.{{cite web|url=http://mmaboxing.ru/news-mma/7597-ruslan-magomedov-vs.html|title=Magomedov vs Rothwell added to UFC 177 in Sacramento|publisher=/mmaboxing.ru|author=Radik Khuzin|access-date=July 6, 2014|date=July 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716080210/http://mmaboxing.ru/news-mma/7597-ruslan-magomedov-vs.html|archive-date=July 16, 2014}} However, on July 9, the UFC announced he would face Alistair Overeem on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/ufc/story/alistair-overeem-vs-ben-rothwell-added-to-ufc-fight-night-in-connecticut-070914|title=Alistair Overeem vs. Ben Rothwell Added to UFC Fight Night in Connecticut|publisher=msn.foxsports.com|access-date=July 9, 2014|date=July 9, 2014}} Rothwell won the fight via TKO in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-fight-night-50-results-ben-rothwell-shocks-alistair-overeem-in-opening-round|title=UFC Fight Night 50 results: Ben Rothwell shocks Alistair Overeem in opening round|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=September 5, 2014|date=September 5, 2014}} The win also earned Rothwell his first Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/09/ufc-fight-night-50-bonuses-lauzon-chiesa-souza-and-rothwell-win-50|title=UUFC Fight Night 50 bonuses: Lauzon, Chiesa, Souza and Rothwell win $50,000|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=September 6, 2014}}

Rothwell faced Matt Mitrione on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.{{cite web|url=http://www.5thround.com/181690/mitrione-vs-rothwell-henderson-vs-boetsch-added-to-ufc-fight-night-68/|title=Mitrione vs. Rothwell, Henderson vs. Boetsch added to UFC Fight Night 68|publisher=5thround.com|author=Tom Ngo|access-date=February 27, 2015|date=February 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402104509/http://www.5thround.com/181690/mitrione-vs-rothwell-henderson-vs-boetsch-added-to-ufc-fight-night-68/|archive-date=April 2, 2015|url-status=usurped}} He won the fight via submission in the first round, the first submission win of his UFC career.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/6/7/8742309/ufc-fight-night-68-results-ben-rothwell-chokes-out-matt-mitrione-early|title=UFC Fight Night 68 results: Ben Rothwell chokes out Matt Mitrione early|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Tim Burke|date=June 7, 2015|access-date=June 7, 2015}}

Rothwell was expected to face Stipe Miocic on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/08/heavyweights-stipe-miocic-and-ben-rothwell-targeted-for-ufc-fight-night-76-in-dublin|title=Heavyweights Stipe Miocic and Ben Rothwell targeted for UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=August 12, 2015}} However, Miocic pulled out of the fight on October 13 citing injury.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/10/stipe-miocic-out-of-next-weeks-ufc-fight-night-76-co-headliner-with-ben-rothwell|title=Stipe Miocic out of next week's UFC Fight Night 76 co-headliner with Ben Rothwell|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=October 13, 2015|access-date=October 13, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/10/14/9531469/ben-rothwell-removed-from-next-weeks-ufc-fight-night-dublin-card|title=Ben Rothwell removed from next week's UFC Fight Night Dublin card|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Ariel Helwani|date=October 14, 2015|access-date=October 14, 2015}}

Rothwell next faced Josh Barnett on January 30, 2016, at UFC on Fox 18.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-josh-barnett-vs-ben-rothwell-joins-fox-ufc-fight-night-in-new-jersey-112415|title=Josh Barnett vs. Ben Rothwell joins FOX UFC Fight Night in New Jersey|work=foxsports.com|author=Damon Martin|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=November 24, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ufc-on-fox-18-results-ben-rothwell-scores-shocking-submission-of-josh-barnett|title=UFC on FOX 18 results: Ben Rothwell scores shocking submission of Josh Barnett|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|access-date=January 30, 2016|date=January 30, 2016}} The win also earned Rothwell his second Performance of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/01/ufc-on-fox-18-bonuses-jimmie-rivera-iuri-alcantara-cash-in-for-the-evenings-fight-of-the-night|title=UFC on FOX 18 bonuses: Jimmie Rivera, Iuri Alcantara cash in for 'Fight of the Night'|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=January 30, 2016|date=January 30, 2016}}

Rothwell faced Junior dos Santos on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/ben-rothwell-vs-junior-dos-santos-headlines-ufc-fight-night-86-in-croatia|title=Ben Rothwell vs. Junior Dos Santos headlines UFC Fight Night 86 in Croatia|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|access-date=February 8, 2016|date=February 8, 2016}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/15177199/junior-dos-santos-outworks-ben-rothwell-ufc-fight-night|title=Dos Santos outpoints Rothwell at UFC Fight Night|publisher=ESPN|date=April 10, 2016|access-date=April 10, 2016|author=Brett Okamoto}}

Rothwell was expected to face Fabrício Werdum on September 10, 2016, at UFC 203.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2016/5/29/11809620/fabricio-werdum-vs-ben-rothwell-set-for-ufc-203-in-cleveland|title=Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell set for UFC 203 in Cleveland|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Dave Doyle|access-date=May 29, 2016|date=May 29, 2016}} However, Rothwell pulled out of the fight on August 11 citing a knee injury and was replaced by Travis Browne.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/injury-forces-ben-rothwell-out-of-ufc-203-co-main-event-with-fabricio-werdum|title=Injury forces Ben Rothwell out of UFC 203 co-main event with Fabricio Werdum|author=Steven Marrocco|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 11, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/travis-browne-steps-in-for-ben-rothwell-rematches-fabricio-werdum-at-ufc-203|title=Travis Browne steps in for Ben Rothwell, rematches Fabricio Werdum at UFC 203|author=Steven Marrocco and John Morgan|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=August 11, 2016|access-date=August 11, 2016}}

The bout with Werdum was rescheduled and expected to take place on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-211-fabricio-werdum-vs-ben-rothwell-targeted-for-dallas-020717|title=UFC 211: Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell targeted For Dallas|website=foxsports.com |author=Griffin Youngs|date=February 7, 2017|access-date=February 7, 2017}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2018/04/06/ufc-heavyweight-big-ben-rothwell-handed-two-year-suspension-usada/|title=UFC Heavyweight 'Big' Ben Rothwell Handed Two Year Suspension by USADA|website=cagesidepress.com |author=Staff|date=April 6, 2018|access-date=April 6, 2018}}

Having served his suspension, Rothwell returned to face Blagoy Ivanov on March 9, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 146.{{cite web |title=UFC Fight Night coming to Wichita |url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-fight-night-coming-wichita |website=ufc.com|date=January 8, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2019}} He lost the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2019/3/9/18258155/ufc-fight-night-146-results-blagoy-ivanov-edges-past-ben-rothwell-to-boos-of-the-crowd|title=Blagoy Ivanov Edges Ben Rothwell to Boos of the Crowd|last=Pearson|first=Andrew|date=March 9, 2019|website=MMAmania.com|access-date=March 10, 2019}}

A rematch with Andrei Arlovski took place on July 20, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 4.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Andrei-Arlovski-Ben-Rothwell-Set-for-Rematch-at-UFC-San-Antonio-on-July-20-155055|title=Andrei Arlovski, Ben Rothwell set for rematch at UFC San Antonio on July 20|author=Tristen Critchfield|date=May 20, 2019|publisher=sherdog.com|access-date=May 21, 2019}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/07/20/ufc-san-antonio-results-arlovski-vs-rothwell/|title=UFC San Antonio Results: Andrei Arlovski Puts on Clinic Early Against Ben Rothwell|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=July 20, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=July 21, 2019}}

Rothwell faced Stefan Struve on December 7, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 7.{{Cite web|url=https://mmadna.nl/stefan-stuve-treft-ben-rothwell-tijdens-ufc-on-espn-7-in-washington-d-c/|title=Stefan Struve meets Ben Rothwell during UFC on ESPN 7 in Washington D.C.|website=mmadna.nl|author= Redactie|language=nl|date=August 13, 2018|access-date=August 13, 2019}} He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2019/12/07/ufc-dc-results-ben-rothwell/|title=UFC DC Results: After Delivering Two Groin Shots, Ben Rothwell Finishes Stefan Struve|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=December 7, 2019|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=December 8, 2019}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2019/12/ufc-on-espn-7-results-ben-rothwell-low-blows-then-tkos-stefan-struve|title=UFC on ESPN 7 results: Ben Rothwell low blows then TKOs Stefan Struve|author=Nolan King|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=December 7, 2019|access-date=December 7, 2019}}

Rothwell was scheduled to face Gian Villante on April 18, 2020, at UFC 249.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/01/13/gian-villante-moving-heavyweight-will-face-ben-rothwell-ufc-249/|title=Gian Villante Moving to Heavyweight, Will Face Ben Rothwell at UFC 249|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=January 13, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US|access-date=January 14, 2020}} However, the event and Rothwell's scheduled bout against Villante was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/trentreinsmith/2020/04/09/ufc-249-canceled-other-events-postponed/amp/|title=UFC 249 Canceled; Other Events Postponed|date=April 9, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2020|author=Trent Reinsmith|website=Forbes}}

Rothwell faced Ovince Saint Preux at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira on May 13, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2020/4/24/21235014/ben-rothwell-vs-ovince-saint-preux-in-the-works-for-ufc-card-on-may-13|title=Ben Rothwell vs. Ovince Saint Preux in the works for UFC card on May 13|work=MMA fighting.com|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=April 28, 2020|author=Damon Martin}} He won the fight via split decision.{{Cite web|title=Ben Rothwell defeats Ovince Saint Preux by split decision|url=https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/5/13/21256119/ben-rothwell-vs-ovince-saint-preux-picks-prediction-ufc-fight-night-espn-odds-ko-decision-submission|last=Sherwin|first=Collin|date=May 13, 2020|website=DraftKings Nation|language=en|access-date=May 14, 2020}}

Rothwell faced Marcin Tybura on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179.{{Cite web|author=Tim Burke|date=August 5, 2020|title=Ben Rothwell vs. Marcin Tybura added to October UFC event|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2020/8/4/21355009/ufc-ben-rothwell-vs-marcin-tybura-added-october-heavyweight-mma-news|access-date=August 19, 2020|website=bloodyelbow.com}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Vreeland|first=Daniel|date=October 9, 2020|title=UFC Fight Island 5: Cory Sandhagen On Overcoming Aljo Loss|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/10/09/sandhagen-on-overcoming-aljo-loss/|access-date=October 11, 2020|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Rothwell was scheduled to face Philipe Lins on March 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 187.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Report-Ben-Rothwell-Takes-on-Philipe-Lins-at-UFC-Fight-Night-187-on-March-13-177452|title=Ben Rothwell takes on Philipe Lins at UFC Fight Night 187 on March 13|website=Sherdog.com|author=Jay Pettry|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=January 29, 2021}} 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 {{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/3/9/22321889/ben-rothwell-vs-philipe-lins-fight-at-ufc-vegas-21-postponed|title=Ben Rothwell vs. Philipe Lins fight at UFC Vegas 21 postponed|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Guilherme Cruz and Damon Martin|date=March 9, 2021|access-date=March 9, 2021}} the bout was rescheduled on May 8, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 24.{{Cite web|date=March 17, 2021|title=After cancellation, UFC rebooks Philipe Lins vs. Ben Rothwell for May 8|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/ufc-news-philipe-lins-vs-ben-rothwell-rebooked-may-8|access-date=March 17, 2021|website=MMA Junkie|language=en-US}} While Rothwell made weight without issue, Lins never showed up to the weigh-ins and withdrew from the bout due to an illness.{{cite web|url= https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/05/ufc-on-espn-24-philipe-lins-withdraws-fight-illness-ben-rothwell|title= Philipe Lins out of UFC on ESPN 24 fight with Ben Rothwell because of illness|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=May 7, 2021|access-date=May 7, 2021}} The bout was rescheduled again for May 22, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt.{{Cite web|title=Gordon Ryan's ONE Championship Debut Announced, More News {{!}} Fight Announcement Roundup {{!}} Fightful News|url=https://www.fightful.com/mma/gordon-ryan-s-one-championship-debut-announced-more-news-fight-announcement-roundup|access-date=May 11, 2021|website=www.fightful.com|language=en}} However, yet again, Lins was pulled from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by newcomer Askhar Mozharov.{{Cite web|date=May 11, 2021|title=Askar Mozharov vervangt Philipe Lins tegen Ben Rothwell op 22 mei|url=https://mmadna.nl/askar-mozharov-vervangt-philipe-lins-tegen-ben-rothwell-op-22-mei/|access-date=May 12, 2021|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} Just hours later, the Ukrainian announced he would not be able to get a visa in time for the event,{{cite web|url=https://sport.24tv.ua/askar-mozharov-pidpishe-kontrakt-ufc-detali-novini-sportu_n1623874|title=Ukrainian fighter Mozharov will sign an unexpected contract with the UFC|publisher=sport.24tv.ua|author=Yuriy Semenyuk|date=May 12, 2021|access-date=May 12, 2021}} {{in lang|uk}} and he was replaced by Chris Barnett.{{Cite web|date=May 13, 2021|title=Publiekslieveling Chris Barnett tekent bij de UFC, treft Ben Rothwell op 22 mei in Las Vegas|url=https://mmadna.nl/publiekslieveling-chris-barnett-tekent-bij-de-ufc-treft-ben-rothwell-op-22-mei-in-las-vegas/|access-date=May 13, 2021|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} He won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the second round.{{Cite web|last=Bitter|first=Shawn|date=May 22, 2021|title=UFC Vegas 27 Results: Ben Rothwell Submits Debuting Chris Barnett|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/05/22/ufc-vegas-27-results-ben-rothwell-vs-chris-barnett/|access-date=May 23, 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Rothwell faced Marcos Rogério de Lima on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197.{{Cite web|date=August 29, 2021|title="Mr. Gogo Choke" Ben Rothwell treft Marcos Rogerio de Lima tijdens UFC evenement op 13 november|url=https://mmadna.nl/mr-gogo-choke-ben-rothwell-treft-marcos-rogerio-de-lima-tijdens-ufc-evenement-op-13-november/|access-date=August 29, 2021|website=MMA DNA|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web|last=Doherty|first=Dan|date=November 13, 2021|title=UFC Vegas 42: Marcos Rogerio de Lima Runs Through Ben Rothwell|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2021/11/13/ufc-vegas-42-ben-rothwell-marcos-rogerio-de-lima/|access-date=November 13, 2021|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

Rothwell was scheduled to face Alexander Gustafsson on May 21, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 206.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/geoblocking.shtml|access-date=February 1, 2022|website=www.eurosport.com |title=Eurosport is not available in your region }} However, at the end of March, it was announced that Rothwell asked for his release and it was granted from the UFC.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Damon |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Ben Rothwell released from the UFC, no longer facing Alexander Gustafsson in May |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/3/31/23004970/ben-rothwell-released-from-the-ufc-no-longer-facing-alexander-gustafsson-in-may |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=MMA Fighting |language=en}}

Bare-knuckle boxing

=Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship=

On April 25, 2022, it was announced that Rothwell joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Jay |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Ex-UFC Heavyweight Ben Rothwell Signs with Bare Knuckle FC |url=https://cagesidepress.com/2022/04/25/ben-rothwell-signs-bare-knuckle-fc/ |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=Cageside Press |language=en-US}} He won his first two fights with the promotion.{{cite web|url=https://www.bkfc.com/fighters/ben-rothwell:e786924c-f548-4517-9a1b-f86be384371d|title=Ben Rothwell, Heavyweight Record|date=December 1, 2023|author=BKFC Staff|publisher=bkfc.com}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2023/11/bkfc-56-ben-rothwell-out-illness-todd-duffee-fight-trageted-february|title=Ben Rothwell out of BKFC 56, fight with Todd Duffee now targeted for February|date=November 30, 2023|author=Danny Segura|publisher=mmajunkie.com}} The fight against Duffee was rescheduled for BKFC Knucklemania IV in Los Angeles on April 27, 2024.{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=Mike Perry vs Thiago Alves tops BKFC Knucklemania 4 in April in LA |url=https://www.fightmag.com/mike-perry-vs-thiago-alves-tops-bkfc-knucklemania-4-in-april-in-la/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=28 February 2024}} Rothwell won the fight by technical knockout after Duffee was knocked down and injured in the first round.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-28 |title=BKFC KnuckleMania 4 live and official results, preliminary stream |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2024/04/bkfc-knucklemania-4-live-official-results-mike-perry-vs-thiago-alvespreliminary-stream |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}}

Rothwell competed for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship against champion Mick Terrill on January 25, 2025 at BKFC Knucklemania V.{{Cite web |title=BKFC KNUCKLEMANIA V |url=https://www.bkfc.com/events/bkfc-knucklemania-v:2cd142cc-0366-4299-830f-83cf7bec4580 |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships}} He won the championship by knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2025/01/25/bkfc-knucklemania-5-full-results/|title=BKFC KnuckleMania 5 Full Results|publisher=cagesidepress.com|author=Staff|date=2025-01-25|access-date=2025-01-26}} This fight earned him another Knockout of the Night award.{{Cite web |title=KnuckleMania V Results {{!}} BKFC |url=https://www.bkfc.com/news/knucklemania-v-results:dea8cd23-8a70-49f7-bdb0-ed2c3442e25a |access-date=2025-01-26 |website=Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship}}

Rothwell is scheduled to face Alex Simon at BKFC 79 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on July 19, 2025.{{cite news |last1=Iskenderov |first1=Parviz |title=BKFC 79 fight card: Ben Rothwell faces Alex Simon in Perth main event |url=https://www.fightmag.com/bkfc-79-fight-card-ben-rothwell-faces-alex-simon-in-perth-main-event/ |work=FIGHTMAG |date=3 June 2025}}{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Alexander K. |title=Ben Rothwell vs. Alex Simon title fight headlines BKFC Australia debut |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/6/3/24442482/ben-rothwell-vs-alex-simon-title-fight-headlines-bkfc-australia-debut |work=MMA Fighting |date=3 June 2025 |language=en}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.jsonline.com/sports/29268009.html |title=Warrior at heart |access-date=September 5, 2010 |publisher=JSONLINE.com |date=August 2, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130002433/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/29268009.html |archive-date=January 30, 2009 }}

Rothwell is married and has a daughter and a son, Odin (born 2021).{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1hsEr2xYB4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/J1hsEr2xYB4 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Ben Rothwell: Back against the Wall|date=May 23, 2021|publisher=mmaweekly.com|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} 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=

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Brendan Schaub
Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Alistair Overeem, Josh Barnett
UFC.com Awards
2014: Ranked #5 Upset of the Year {{small|vs. Alistair Overeem}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-upsets-2014|title=Top Ten - The Upsets of 2014|date=December 23, 2014|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
2016: Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Josh Barnett}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/top-ten-best-submissions-2016|title=Top Ten - The Best Submissions of 2016|date=December 21, 2016|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
United States Mixed Martial Arts
USMMA Heavyweight Championship (One time; first){{cite web|url=http://fcfighter.com/post/rivera-and-berger-victoriousat-ring-of-fury-2|title=Rivera And Berger Victoriousat Ring Of Fury 2|website=fcfighter.com|date=September 21, 2002|author=Jim Genia}}
MMADNA.nl
2016 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Josh Barnett}}{{Cite web|url=http://mmadna.nl/mma-dna-ufc-awards-2016-de-uitslagen/|title=MMA DNA UFC Awards 2016 : De Uitslagen!!!|last=DNA|first=MMA|date=January 18, 2017 |language=nl|access-date=January 28, 2019}}

=Bare-knuckle boxing=

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
BKFC World Heavyweight Championship (One time, current)
Knockout of the Night (Two times) vs. Bobo O'Bannon and Mick Terrill{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CjQYBsMMnyh|title=BKFC 30 Bonuses|date=October 4, 2022|author=BKFC on Instagram|publisher=instagram.com}}

Mixed martial arts record

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins= 28

|sub-wins= 7

|dec-wins= 4

|ko-losses= 5

|sub-losses= 2

|dec-losses= 7

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|39–14

|Marcos Rogério de Lima

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Rodríguez

|{{dts|2021|November|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|0:32

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|39–13

|Chris Barnett

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt

|{{dts|2021|May|22|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|2:07

|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|38–13

|Marcin Tybura

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

|{{dts|2020|October|11|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|38–12

|Ovince Saint Preux

|Decision (split)

|UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira

|{{dts|2020|May|13|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Jacksonville, Florida, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|37–12

|Stefan Struve

|TKO (punches)

|UFC on ESPN: Overeem vs. Rozenstruik

|{{dts|2019|December|7|format=mdy}}

|align=center|2

|align=center|4:57

|Washington, D.C., United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|36–12

|Andrei Arlovski

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC on ESPN: dos Anjos vs. Edwards

|{{dts|2019|July|20|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|San Antonio, Texas, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|36–11

|Blagoy Ivanov

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. dos Santos

|{{dts|2019|March|9|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Wichita, Kansas, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|36–10

|Junior dos Santos

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC Fight Night: Rothwell vs. dos Santos

|{{dts|2016|April|10|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|5

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|Zagreb, Croatia

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|36–9

|Josh Barnett

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader

|{{dts|2016|January|30|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|3:48

|Newark, New Jersey, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night. Submission of the Year.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|35–9

|Matt Mitrione

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson

|{{dts|2015|June|6|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:54

|New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|34–9

|Alistair Overeem

|TKO (punches)

|UFC Fight Night: Jacare vs. Mousasi

|{{dts|2014|September|5|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|2:19

|Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States

|{{small|Performance of the Night.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|33–9

|Brandon Vera

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 164

|{{dts|2013|August|31|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|1:54

|Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

|{{small|Rothwell suspended after testing positive for elevated testosterone levels.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|32–9

|Gabriel Gonzaga

|Submission (guillotine choke)

|UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Bisping

|{{dts|2013|January|19|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|1:01

|São Paulo, Brazil

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|32–8

|Brendan Schaub

|KO (punches)

|UFC 145

|{{dts|2012|April|21|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:10

|Atlanta, Georgia, United States

|{{small|Knockout of the Night.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|31–8

|Mark Hunt

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 135

|{{dts|2011|September|24|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|Denver, Colorado, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|31–7

|Gilbert Yvel

|Decision (unanimous)

|UFC 115

|{{dts|2010|June|12|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|30–7

|Cain Velasquez

|TKO (punches)

|UFC 104

|{{dts|2009|October|24|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|0:58

|Los Angeles, California, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|30–6

|Chris Guillen

|TKO (submission to elbows)

|Adrenaline MMA 2: Miletich vs. Denny

|{{dts|2008|December|11|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:30

|Moline, Illinois, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|29–6

|Andrei Arlovski

|KO (punches)

|Affliction: Banned

|{{dts|2008|July|19|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|1:13

|Anaheim, California, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|29–5

|Ricco Rodriguez

|Decision (unanimous)

|IFL: 2007 Team Championship final

|{{dts|2007|September|20|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|4:00

|Hollywood, Florida, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|28–5

|Krzysztof Soszyński

|TKO (punches)

|IFL: 2007 semifinals

|{{dts|2007|August|2|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|0:13

|East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|27–5

|Travis Fulton

|Submission (kimura)

|IFL: Chicago

|{{dts|2007|May|19|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|3:11

|Chicago, Illinois, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|26–5

|Roy Nelson

|Decision (split)

|IFL: Moline

|{{dts|2007|April|7|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|4:00

|Moline, Illinois, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|25–5

|Matt Thompson

|TKO (punches)

|IFL: Houston

|{{dts|2007|February|2|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|1:47

|Houston, Texas, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|24–5

|Devin Cole

|KO (head kick)

|IFL: Championship final

|{{dts|2006|December|29|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:16

|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|23–5

|Wojtek Kaszowski

|Submission (americana)

|IFL: World Championship semifinals

|{{dts|2006|November|2|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:14

|Portland, Oregon, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|22–5

|Bryan Vetell

|KO (punch)

|IFL: Gracie vs. Miletich

|{{dts|2006|September|23|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:17

|Moline, Illinois, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|21–5

|Krzysztof Soszyński

|TKO (punches)

|IFL: Legends Championship 2006

|{{dts|2006|April|29|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:59

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|20–5

|Dan Bobish

|KO (knee)

|GFC: Team Gracie vs Team Hammer House

|{{dts|2006|March|3|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|4:20

|Columbus, Ohio, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|19–5

|Joey Smith

|TKO (submission to punches)

|ISCF: Gladiators X

|{{dts|2006|February|24|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|N/A

|Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|18–5

|Don Richard

|TKO (punches)

|KOTC: Conquest

|{{dts|2005|December|3|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:32

|Calgary, Alberta, Canada

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|17–5

|Allan Weickert

|TKO (punches)

|GFS: Fight Nite in the Flats

|{{dts|2005|September|17|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:45

|Cleveland, Ohio, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|16–5

|Dan Christison

|Submission (kimura)

|Euphoria: USA vs World

|{{dts|2005|February|26|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|0:57

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|16–4

|Jonathan Wiezorek

|TKO (punches)

|Euphoria: Road to the Titles

|{{dts|2004|October|15|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:09

|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|15–4

|Matt Bear

|TKO (submission to punches)

|Ultimate Throwdown

|{{dts|2004|July|16|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|2:57

|Des Moines, Iowa, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|14–4

|Carlos Barreto

|KO (head kick)

|Heat FC 1: Genesis

|{{dts|2003|July|31|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|N/A

|Natal, Brazil

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|14–3

|Royce Louck

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|Freestyle Combat Challenge 11

|{{dts|2003|June|28|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|N/A

|Racine, Wisconsin, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|13–3

|Ibragim Magomedov

|TKO (retirement)

|M-1 MFC: Russia vs. the World 4

|{{dts|2002|November|15|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|10:00

|St. Petersburg, Russia

|{{small|Scheduled for one 10-minute round.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|13–2

|Travis Fulton

|TKO (injury)

|Freestyle Combat Challenge 8

|{{dts|2002|October|4|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|Racine, Wisconsin, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|12–2

|Johnathan Ivey

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|USMMA 2: Ring of Fury

|{{dts|2002|September|21|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:14

|Lowell, Massachusetts, United States

|{{small|Won the USMMA Heavyweight Championship.}}

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|11–2

|Mike Whitehead

|Decision (unanimous)

|rowspan=2 |SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 2

|rowspan=2 |{{dts|2002|April|27|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|rowspan=2 |Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|11–1

|Kerry Schall

|TKO (neck injury)

|style="text-align:center;"|2

|style="text-align:center;"|2:10

|{{small|Schall fell out of the ring.}}

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|10–1

|Curtis Crawford

|Submission (forearm choke)

|SB 24: Return of the Heavyweights 1

|{{dts|2002|April|26|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:03

|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|9–1

|Mike Priest

|TKO (injury)

|Freestyle Combat Challenge 7

|{{dts|2002|March|23|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|N/A

|Racine, Wisconsin, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|8–1

|Mike Radnov

|TKO (doctor stoppage)

|rowspan=2 |Extreme Challenge 46

|rowspan=2 |{{dts|2002|February|16|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|5:54

|rowspan=2 |Clive, Iowa, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|7–1

|Kerry Schall

|TKO (foot injury)

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|7:29

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|6–1

|Mike Marshalleck

|TKO (punches)

|Freestyle Combat Challenge 6

|{{dts|2002|January|5|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|0:38

|Racine, Wisconsin, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|5–1

|Steve Hutson

|Submission (arm-triangle choke)

|SC 8: Fight Night

|{{dts|2001|November|10|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|3:35

|LaSalle, Illinois, United States

|{{no2}}Loss

|style="text-align:center;"|4–1

|Tim Sylvia

|Decision (unanimous)

|Extreme Challenge 42

|{{dts|2001|August|24|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|3

|style="text-align:center;"|5:00

|Davenport, Iowa, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|4–0

|Billy Herrington

|TKO (submission to knees)

|Iowa Challenge 2

|{{dts|2001|August|11|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:07

|Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|3–0

|Darren Block

|KO (punch)

|rowspan=2 |Dangerzone: Auburn

|rowspan=2 |{{dts|2001|April|28|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|0:16

|rowspan=2 |Auburn, Indiana, United States

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|2–0

|Anthony Ferguson

|TKO (referee stoppage)

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|1:00

|{{yes2}}Win

|style="text-align:center;"|1–0

|Rob Shinkle

|TKO (corner stoppage)

|Freestyle Combat Challenge 3

|{{dts|2001|January|6|format=mdy}}

|style="text-align:center;"|1

|style="text-align:center;"|0:21

|Racine, Wisconsin, United States

{{Cite web|last=Sherdog.com|title=Ben Rothwell MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com|url=https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Rothwell-2262|access-date=November 13, 2021|website=Sherdog}}

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

{{Kickboxing record start|norec=y|title=Kickboxing record|record=3 wins, 0 losses}}

|- bgcolor="#CCFFCC"

| 2005-10-21 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Justice Smith || ISCF: Colosseum Returns || Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA || DQ (low blows) || 1 || N/A

|- bgcolor="#CCFFCC"

| 2005-01-23 || Win ||align=left|{{flagicon|JPN}} Nobu Hayashi || Shootboxing 2005: Ground Zero Fukuoka || Fukuoka, Japan || Decision (unanimous) || 3 || 3:00

| colspan=8 | Legend: {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win |border=1px solid #CCFFCC}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss |border=1px solid #FFBBBB}} {{legend2|#c5d2ea|Draw/No contest |border=1px solid #c5d2ea}} {{legend2|White|Notes |border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}