Andrei Arlovski stops Ben Rothwell in bloody TKO to claim BKFC Heavyweight Title at KnuckleMania 6.
In the main event of BKFC KnuckleMania 6 on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, veteran striker Andrei Arlovski earned a third‑round TKO victory over longtime bare‑knuckle champion Ben Rothwell to capture the BKFC heavyweight title. It marked a historic moment for “The Pitbull,” adding bare‑knuckle gold to his long combat sports career.
Arlovski made his BKFC debut at BKFC 76 in June 2025, where he scored a technical knockout victory over Josh Copeland in the fourth round, applying pressure and winning comfortably.
Earlier in 2025, Arlovski earned a TKO win in Dirty Boxing Championships over Terrance Hodges, marking his first finish in ten years outside of MMA.
Rothwell, his opponent enjoyed a strong run in bare‑knuckle action, compiling a 4‑0 record in BKFC, all wins by knockout or TKO.
On January 25, 2025, Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight championship with a quick 36‑second knockout of Mick Terrill at KnuckleMania 5.
From the opening bell, Arlovski used quick jabs and fast combinations to keep Rothwell on the back foot. He consistently landed straight punches and pressured Rothwell, who appeared hesitant early. Arlovski backed him into the ropes and landed a big right that snapped Rothwell’s head back, winning the round clearly.
In the second round, Arlovski continued to outbox Rothwell with speed and accuracy. Rothwell managed a few counters, including a solid left hand, but Arlovski’s jabs and right hands repeatedly found their mark. By the end of the round, Rothwell’s face was heavily bloodied and showing signs of wear. Arlovski also landed a hard combination that put Rothwell against the ropes.
Rothwell returned for the third round with his face already marked, but Arlovski stayed relentless. He continued to jab and connect with powerful shots while avoiding much of Rothwell’s offense. A nasty cut opened up on Rothwell’s head, prompting the referee to call in the doctor. After examining the wound and determining it posed a danger to Rothwell’s vision and safety, the doctor stopped the fight at 1:14 of Round 3. Arlovski was declared the new BKFC heavyweight champion via TKO (doctor’s stoppage).
In the co-main event, light heavyweight champ Lorenzo Hunt destroyed middleweight champion David Mundell in a non-title, champ vs. champ matchup, scoring a brutal knockout in the fourth round. Hunt then called for a fight with Mike Perry. Get full BKFC KnuckleMania results below.
BKFC KnuckleMania 6 main card
Andrei Arlovski def. Ben Rothwell via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) — Round 3, 1:14
Lorenzo Hunt def. David Mundell via knockout — Round 4, 0:29
Johnny Garbarino def. Kaine Tomlinson Jr. via TKO — Round 5, 0:49
Ben Bonner def. Tony Soto via decision (49-46 x2, 48-47)
Patrick Brady def. Bear Hill via unanimous decision (50-42, 50-41, 49-43)
Jade Masson-Wong def. Crystal Pittman via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Mike Richman def. Joe Elmore via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 49-45)
Charles Bennett def. Pat Sullivan via TKO – Round 2, 1:56
Cody Russell def. Harrison Aiken via TKO — Round 2, 1:16
Zedekiah Montanez def. Brandon Meyer via knockout — Round 2, 1:59
BKFC KnuckleMania 6 Prelims
Lex Ludlow def. Zach Calmus via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
Prince Nyseam def. Brett Shoenfelt via unanimous decision (30-25 x3)
Joshua Oxendine def. Travis Thompson via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
