In a Heavyweight fight between two monstrously big guys, Ben Rothwell and Josh Barnett were looking to throw their names into the unpredictable Heavyweight title picture. The winner of the fight could very well see themselves contending for a title with a big win.
Barnett landed the first strike of the fight, a straight right on Rothwell that backed him. Both fighters pawed at each other in order to assess range. Both fighters knew that one big punch could change the course of the fight for better or for worse. Barnett hit Rothwell with a stiff jab to the nose. Barnett continued to his Rothwell with stinging punches. Both fighters avoided winding up with their punches in the first four minutes of the round. Rothwell began to connect with several flurries of punches while forcing Barnett to the cage. Barnett busted Rothwell’s nose from the repeated quick jabs.
Barnett began the second round by clinching Rothwell against the cage, landing knees to the body. Rothwell was able to circle away and release himself from the clinch. Both men stayed in the middle of the mat, exchanging small shots and being very conservative offensively and defensively. Rothwell began to hunt Barnett down with his punches when Barnett shot for the takedown. This would end up being a costly mistake for Barnett as Rothwell grabbed a guillotine choke. Rothwell turned Barnett over and cranked on his neck until Barnett tapped out.
Ben Rothwell def. Josh Barnett via submission gogo choke), 3:48 of Round 2