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Ben Rothwell’s long-held dream of becoming a heavyweight champion came true spectacularly at BKFC KnuckleMania 5. The seasoned fighter delivered a jaw-dropping 36-second knockout against Mick Terrill in the co-main event, cementing his place as the BKFC heavyweight champion.
Rothwell, a combat sports veteran, had been chasing this opportunity since joining the bare-knuckle fighting scene. When the moment arrived, he didn’t waste a second. The fight began with Terrill cautiously keeping his distance from Rothwell, fully aware of the knockout power his opponent possessed. However, Rothwell quickly closed the gap, unleashing a thunderous right hand that sent the British fighter crashing to the canvas.
“There was no getting up from that punch,” said one commentator as the referee waved off the fight. Rothwell’s celebration began immediately, basking in the energy of the Philadelphia crowd that roared its approval.
“I am filled with so much feeling right now, it’s so hard even to speak,” Rothwell said in his post-fight interview.
“Your energy was in my right hand, and you helped me win this title. Philadelphia, you are awesome.”
Rothwell’s gratitude toward BKFC has been evident since his arrival. He’s consistently praised the promotion for its treatment of fighters and has emerged as one of its most vocal supporters. Now, as the heavyweight champion, Rothwell is poised to become the face of the organization.
With such an emphatic performance, the newly crowned champion sent a message to the division: his reign at the top is only just beginning.