Andrei Arlovski electrified fans at BKFC 76 on June 21, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. The former UFC heavyweight champion debuted in bare-knuckle fighting, earning a TKO victory over Josh Copeland at Dickies Arena. After the fight, Arlovski issued a fiery challenge to BKFC heavyweight champion Ben Rothwell, setting up a potential title clash.
Andrei Arlovski, a 46-year-old from Belarus, has a 34-24 MMA record. He debuted in the UFC in 2000, winning the heavyweight title against Tim Sylvia at UFC 51 in 2005. Arlovski fought in Affliction, Strikeforce, and returned to the UFC in 2014. His last UFC fight was a split decision loss to Martin Buday at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024, ending his 42-fight UFC tenure. In March 2025, he won a TKO against Terrance Hodges at Mike Perry’s Dirty Boxing, paving the way for his BKFC debut.
Impressive Bare-Knuckle Debut
Arlovski faced Josh Copeland, a 42-year-old with a 9-7 MMA record and 2-1 BKFC record, at BKFC 76. Copeland opened with a heavy overhand right in the first round, but Arlovski stayed composed, landing sharp jabs. By the second round, Arlovski’s punches opened cuts on Copeland’s face, prompting complaints about head-first clinches, which earned Copeland a referee warning.
In the third round, Arlovski landed a powerful right hand, rocking Copeland and deepening the cuts. He pressed the attack but couldn’t secure a finish before the round ended. In the fourth, Arlovski targeted the gashes, leaving Copeland bloodied. The ringside doctor halted the fight before the fifth round at 5:00, awarding Arlovski a TKO victory due to the severe cuts.
Andrei Arlovski adds a BKFC win to his long resumé! #BKFC76 | Live NOW on DAZN pic.twitter.com/a63kaVJJjw
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) June 22, 2025
Challenging Rothwell
Post-fight, Arlovski grabbed the microphone and addressed Rothwell, who was watching ringside.
“This is a whole different fcking world. It’s tough,” Arlovski said about bare-knuckle fighting. “You have a champion Big Ben Rothwell but I beat your champ twice. So looking forward to be honest with you.” He added, “It will be a pleasure to dance with you for the third time in the fcking BKFC for the title. You’re a f*cking beast. You don’t scare me.”
Arlovski previously defeated Rothwell by knockout in 2008 at Affliction and by decision in 2019 at UFC.
Rothwell’s Fierce Reply
Rothwell entered the ring for a tense face-off.
“You better be really careful what you wish for because if you fight me like that, I’m going to end your career,” Rothwell said.
The fighters shook hands, showing respect but hinting at a future showdown. Rothwell, with a 39-14 MMA record, holds the BKFC heavyweight title and seeks to avenge his two losses to Arlovski.
BKFC 76, streamed on DAZN, featured other key fights. Ben Bonner won the interim lightweight title against Tony Soto by decision. Jessica Eye defeated Mariya Agapova, and Kenzie Morrison earned a first-round TKO in his debut. Arlovski’s win stood out as a defining moment of the event.
Arlovski’s debut victory positions him as a contender for Rothwell’s title. His callout leverages their history, with Arlovski holding two prior wins. No title fight is confirmed, but the exchange suggests BKFC may book the trilogy bout. Arlovski also expressed interest in a boxing or bare-knuckle rematch with Fedor Emelianenko, citing a 2009 loss, per MMA Fighting.
