Arlovski Wins BKFC Heavyweight Title by TKO

Andrei Arlovski claimed the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship heavyweight title on Saturday night, defeating longtime rival Ben Rothwell by third-round technical knockout in the main event of BKFC KnuckleMania VI at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

The 47-year-old Belarusian fighter, a former UFC heavyweight champion, dominated the bout from the opening bell, using his jab to control distance and landing heavy shots whenever Rothwell closed in. In the first round, a powerful right hand staggered Rothwell, who struggled to mount offense. The second round followed a similar pattern, with Arlovski nearly dropping his opponent late, though the ropes kept Rothwell upright amid accumulating damage. Early in the third, Arlovski opened a severe cut on Rothwell's head, prompting the doctor to intervene and stop the fight at 1:14. The victory marked Arlovski's second win in BKFC and made him the first fighter to hold titles in both UFC and BKFC.

Arlovski's triumph carried deep personal significance, coming just days after he announced he was cancer-free for the third time. The Belarusian, who turned 47 four days before the event, has battled the disease multiple times while...