Ben Rothwell returned to the squared circle on Saturday night for his sophomore appearance under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner. As a featured bout on the BKFC 41 main card, the ex-UFC heavyweight standout met former PFL competitor-turned-BKFC brawler Josh Copeland in a heavy-hitting clash.
Round 1
Ben Rothwell brought pressure immediately off the scratch line, but it was Copeland that struck first, landing a big overhand right that busted open Rothwell underneath his right eye. Rothwell continued to move forward as Copeland clinched and delivered a series of strikes against the ropes. Rothwell swung heavily in return but was unable to connect. Both fighters trade overhands as Copeland continued to skirt the outside and keep his distance as the first round came to an end.
Round 2
Rothwell came out stalking once again, but Copeland was the one continuing to land until a massive overhand right from Rothwell dropped his opponent. Looking to capitalize, Rothwell threw another big overhand right that clipped Copeland. Rothwell began throwing punches in bunches as Copeland began to slow significantly. The round ended with Rothwell teeing off on Copeland but was unable to put him on the mat before the bell sounded.
Round 3
Knowing he lost the second round, Copeland came out firing right off the scratch line, but he was clearly low on energy as Rothwell pushes him to the ropes, locked in a half-Thai plum, and begins to unload uppercuts to the head and body of Copeland. Doing his best to defend, Copeland was essentially helpless, eating strikes left and right in the clinch. Miraculously, Copeland makes it to the end of the round.
In between rounds, Josh Copeland’s corner threw the towel in, preventing their fighter from taking more unnecessary damage.
Official Result: Ben Rothwell def. Josh Copeland via TKO (strikes) at 2:00 of Round 3
Check Out Highlights from Ben Rothwell vs. Josh Copeland at BKFC 41 Below:
It ain't a @rothwellfighter fight without the classic walkout.#BKFC41 pic.twitter.com/qxbyqJ6hho
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
That right eye on Ben Rothwell is a problem. #BKFC41 | LIVE NOW on #FITE pic.twitter.com/hUOskuFF9Z
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
The ref rules that a knockdown on Josh Copeland. Do you agree with the call?#BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/ta2j9ByNRR
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
BIG TIME UPPERCUTS from @rothwellfighter. #BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/Qaj20uiJpk
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
Josh Copeland's corner has seen enough after Rothwell delivered a beating to Copeland in the third. Rothwell is now 2-0 in BKFC.#BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/GMjutEVA3b
— TrillerTV (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
