Ben Rothwell interested in fighting Francis Ngannou in PFL

Ben Rothwell is glad along with his path down the bareknuckle boxing route, however he wouldn’t thoughts taking a detour again into MMA.

The previous UFC contender and long-time MMA veteran is fascinated with preventing Francis Ngannou in PFL. Rothwell thinks that may be an enormous combat for his legacy and one that may positively get him again into MMA, as few would at this stage in his profession.

“If I acquired provided to combat Francis Ngannou, we’d have a severe sit down with everyone concerned as a result of that’s the type of combat that I feel anyone, any of the blokes in my place would need to take,” Rothwell advised MMA Junkie Radio. “I can’t communicate for them, however I 100% would take that combat, sure. Certainly. It’s a type of fights that’s a legacy combat.”

Rothwell fought for the UFC from 2009-21. He competed alongside Ngannou within the heavyweight division, however by no means crossed paths. Ngannou went on to win the UFC belt after which combat out his contract as champion to signal with PFL and pursue a profession in boxing. Ngannou not too long ago shocked the world by going the gap with WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, dropping a controversial split decision.

Rothwell thought Ngannou did properly and was proud to see him discover success within the boxing world. Nonetheless, selfishly, he does suppose that success makes an MMA combat towards him unlikely.

“Francis did so good in his boxing match that I feel that acquired actually pulled away right now,” Rothwell stated. “They’re speaking about attempting to match him up with different boxers to do MMA and stuff like that. He’s going to get pulled away to a very totally different path in that world. They’re already speaking about him and Tyson Fury having a rematch, so it appears like he’s acquired his palms full, however one thing like that may be enjoyable to return again to, however exterior that I’m having loads of enjoyable with BKFC and I acquired a lot to do right here.”

Rothwell, who’s 2-0 since transitioning to BKFC, returns to the ring on Dec. 2. He takes on former UFC heavyweight Todd Duffee within the co-main occasion of BKFC 56.