After becoming the first fighter to force Josh Barnett to tap out to a submission hold in a pro MMA fight, “Big” Ben Rothwell is aiming his submission-sights even higher.
Rothwell claims that if he ever gets a UFC Heavyweight Title shot at current champion Fabricio Werdum, fans shouldn’t be shocked to see him pull off such a victory — by way of submission.
“This sport has made me very open minded to anything is possible. Anything can happen, that’s how this sport works, so I just do my very best to prepare for anything,” said Rothwell. “My submissions skills are 16 years in the making. We have a full arsenal: we’re ready to fight off our back, fight on top, it’s what makes me so confident — I know I can win the fight anywhere the fight goes. I couldn’t even tell you how many different submissions I can apply during a fight, so I’m extremely dangerous. If Werdum wants, I’ll lay down on my back and he can hop in my guard.”
Rothwell concluded, “I’m very confident I’ll submit him. If that fight happens, remember me saying this.”
For now, UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum will prepare for his next title defense, which is scheduled for UFC 198 in May against highly regarded contender Stipe Miocic. Meanwhile, Rothwell prepares for arguably the biggest test in his MMA career, as he battles former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos in his next fight at UFC Fight Night 86.
