Andrei Arlovsky wins BKFC Heavyweight belt

In what might go down as one of the most compelling chapters in bare-knuckle history, Andrei Arlovski added another historic accolade to his legendary combat sports career by capturing the BKFC Heavyweight Championship at KnuckleMania 6 on Saturday night inside the Xfinity Mobile Arena. The 47-year-old veteran dismantled reigning champion Ben Rothwell en route to a dramatic third-round TKO doctor’s stoppage, leaving little doubt about who the top dog in the heavyweight division is today.

A Trilogy Decided Without Gloves

The build-up to this bare-knuckle showdown was electric: Arlovski and Rothwell’s rivalry stretches back nearly two decades, with the pair meeting twice before in mixed martial arts — Arlovski winning both previous encounters and carrying that psychological edge into the bare-knuckle arena. On Saturday night, Arlovski proved he hadn’t lost a step, showcasing crisp boxing, veteran savvy, and a brutal pace that left Rothwell reeling.

From the opening bell, “The Pitbull” dictated the action, peppering the former UFC heavyweight with sharp jabs and heavy straight rights. Rothwell — who had enjoyed an unblemished BKFC run as champion, finishing all four of his previous wins by knockout — struggled to find rhythm against Arlovski’s refined striking. By the end of round one, Rothwell’s face already bore the marks of punishment, and the tide never truly turned in his favor.

Brutal But Strategic

Round two saw more of the same. Arlovski’s speed and precision were on full display, while Rothwell appeared slower and less explosive than in earlier outings. A massive right hand from Arlovski momentarily sent Rothwell staggering, only for the ropes to keep him upright. As blood began to flow and the damage mounted, it became clear that Arlovski’s methodical attack would likely decide the contest.

In the third, the appointed ringside physician stepped in after a nasty cut opened on Rothwell’s head. With Rothwell’s vision compromised and the wound worsening, the doctor waved off the fight at 1:14 of the third round, crowning Arlovski the new BKFC heavyweight champion. The stoppage underlined not only the violence inherent in bare-knuckle boxing but also Arlovski’s dominant control throughout the fight.

Legacy Cemented in Bare-Knuckle History

At an age when most fighters have long since retired, Arlovski’s performance served as a reminder of his enduring skill, adaptability, and competitive spirit. A former UFC heavyweight champion, Arlovski has reinvented himself in bare-knuckle boxing with remarkable success, delivering elite striking night after night and now hoisting championship gold in a second combat sport.

His victory isn’t just another win on the resume — it’s a statement. Arlovski now holds a clean 3–0 head-to-head advantage over Rothwell across three different promotions and disciplines, and he did it by leaving nothing to chance.

What Else Went Down at KnuckleMania 6

While the heavyweight title fight was the night’s centerpiece, KnuckleMania 6 delivered several memorable moments across the card:

• Lorenzo Hunt continued his ascent with a crushing fourth-round knockout of David Mundell in the co-main event, sparking calls for future megafights against top names like Mike Perry.

• Charles “Felony” Bennett, the veteran combat sports figure known for his wild style, stunned fans by sending Pat Sullivan through the ropes for a second-round knockout — a shocking upset that had the arena buzzing.

• Other standout performances included decisive stoppages from Johnny Garbarino and Cody Russell, as well as solid decisions from Ben Bonner and Patrick Brady on the main card.

Looking Ahead

With Arlovski now atop BKFC’s heavyweight mountain, the questions shift quickly to what’s next. Will he defend the belt against established names like Mike Perry or rising stars? Or perhaps a rematch with Rothwell could be on the table down the line. Regardless, Arlovski’s run at KnuckleMania 6 has re-energized interest in bare-knuckle boxing and reaffirmed his status as one of combat sports’ most enduring competitors.

For fans of hard-nosed action and storied rivalry, this was a night to remember. And if KnuckleMania 6 is any indication, BKFC’s biggest events are only getting bigger.