KnuckleMania VI: Arlovski vs Rothwell Results & Recap
KnuckleMania VI, held on February 21, 2026, delivered on every promise BKFC had made about the evolution of its flagship franchise. In front of a sold-out crowd exceeding 18,000, former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski defeated Ben Rothwell via unanimous decision to claim the BKFC heavyweight title in the main event -- a fight between two men who had fought each other twice in the UFC and brought genuine rivalry and heavyweight history into the bare knuckle ring. The event featured eleven fights across the main card and prelims, with multiple finishes and at least three fight-of-the-night candidates.
Event Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | BKFC KnuckleMania VI |
| Date | February 21, 2026 |
| Venue | Sold-Out Arena (18,000+) |
| Location | United States |
| Broadcast | BKFC App / Pay-Per-View |
| Main Event | Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell (Heavyweight Title) |
Main Card Results
Main Event: Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell -- BKFC Heavyweight Title
Result: Andrei Arlovski def. Ben Rothwell via Unanimous Decision (5 rounds) -- Wins BKFC Heavyweight Title
The rubber match. Arlovski and Rothwell had split their two UFC meetings -- Rothwell winning the first in 2015, Arlovski taking the second in 2023. The bare knuckle edition was billed as the definitive answer to which heavyweight would claim supremacy, and Arlovski delivered a masterclass in ring IQ and bare knuckle boxing fundamentals.
Arlovski's strategy was evident from the opening bell. Rather than trading power shots with the heavier Rothwell, the Belarusian used his jab, lateral movement, and counter-punching to control distance and dictate the tempo. Rothwell pressed forward throughout, seeking the close-range exchanges where his size and power could be decisive, but Arlovski refused to engage on Rothwell's terms. The first two rounds were tactical, with Arlovski building a lead on the scorecards through cleaner, more accurate striking.
The middle rounds saw Rothwell find some success. A looping right hand in the third staggered Arlovski briefly, and the fourth round was Rothwell's best as he cornered Arlovski and landed several heavy shots to the body. But Arlovski's conditioning proved superior. At 47 years old, the former UFC champion showed stamina that belied his age, recovering from Rothwell's best shots and answering with sharp combinations that kept the scorecards in his favor.
The fifth and final round was Arlovski at his cerebral best. Knowing he had the fight in hand on points, he used movement and counter-punching to neutralize Rothwell's desperate aggression. When the final bell rang, there was little doubt. All three judges scored the fight for Arlovski, who was crowned the BKFC heavyweight champion -- adding bare knuckle gold to a combat sports resume that already included the UFC heavyweight championship.
Co-Main Event: Lorenzo Hunt vs Alan Belcher
Result: Lorenzo Hunt def. Alan Belcher via TKO (Round 4, 2:11)
Hunt's relentless pressure finally broke Belcher in the championship rounds. The former UFC middleweight showed heart and technical skill, but Hunt's power and durability wore him down over four rounds. A right uppercut followed by a barrage of unanswered shots forced the referee's intervention.
Christine Ferea vs Bec Rawlings II
Result: Christine Ferea def. Bec Rawlings via Unanimous Decision (5 rounds)
Ferea continued her dominance of the women's division with a technically sound performance against the pioneer of women's bare knuckle fighting. Rawlings brought her trademark toughness but could not match Ferea's output and accuracy over five rounds.
Luis Palomino vs Howard Davis
Result: Luis Palomino def. Howard Davis via KO (Round 2, 1:33)
Palomino delivered the most spectacular knockout of the night, landing a left hook that sent Davis crashing to the canvas in the second round. The finish brought the crowd to its feet and reminded everyone why Palomino remains one of BKFC's most dangerous fighters.
David Mundell vs Jake Bostwick
Result: David Mundell def. Jake Bostwick via Unanimous Decision (5 rounds)
A grinding, tactical affair that showcased Mundell's technical boxing skills. Bostwick fought gamely but could not solve Mundell's jab-heavy approach.
Full Results
| Fight | Result | Method | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell | Arlovski | UD | R5 |
| Lorenzo Hunt vs Alan Belcher | Hunt | TKO | R4 |
| Christine Ferea vs Bec Rawlings | Ferea | UD | R5 |
| Luis Palomino vs Howard Davis | Palomino | KO | R2 |
| David Mundell vs Jake Bostwick | Mundell | UD | R5 |
| Franco Tenaglia vs Derek Perez | Tenaglia | KO | R1 |
| Jade Masson-Wong vs Jenny Savage | Masson-Wong | TKO | R3 |
| Kaleb Harris vs Travis Thompson | Harris | SD | R5 |
| Marcus Sursa vs Tony Soto | Sursa | TKO | R2 |
| Sean Holden vs Danny Christie | Holden | UD | R5 |
| Tyler Goodjohn vs Rusty Crowder | Goodjohn | KO | R1 |
Key Takeaways
- Arlovski writes another chapter. At 47, the former UFC heavyweight champion proved that elite boxing fundamentals transcend age. His bare knuckle title victory may be the most improbable accomplishment of a legendary career.
- Heavyweight legitimacy. The Arlovski vs Rothwell main event gave BKFC's heavyweight division genuine credibility. Two former UFC heavyweights fighting for a bare knuckle title in front of 18,000 fans was a watershed moment for the sport.
- The 18,000+ sellout. Each KnuckleMania sets a new attendance benchmark. The sold-out crowd at KnuckleMania VI was the largest in bare knuckle fighting history, eclipsing KnuckleMania V's record.
- Ferea's reign continues. Her victory over Rawlings -- the woman who arguably started the women's bare knuckle movement -- was both a passing of the torch and a coronation.
- Palomino's KO power. The left hook that finished Davis was vintage Palomino and one of the best knockouts in KnuckleMania history.
- BKFC's trajectory is undeniable. From small arenas in 2018 to 18,000-seat sellouts in 2026, BKFC's growth continues to accelerate under the McGregor era.
Watch on YouTube
KnuckleMania VI was broadcast live and free on YouTube and DAZN -- watch the full event and highlights:
- Andrei Arlovski vs Ben Rothwell -- Heavyweight Title Fight | KnuckleMania VI -- Former UFC heavyweight champion Arlovski claims the BKFC heavyweight title
- BKFC KnuckleMania VI -- Full Event (FREE) -- The complete KnuckleMania VI card streamed free on YouTube and DAZN
- Best of KnuckleMania VI -- Top Finishes -- Highlight reel of the best knockouts and finishes from the 18,000+ sellout
- KnuckleMania VI: Behind the Scenes -- Backstage access, walkouts, and post-fight reactions
Subscribe to the BKFC YouTube channel for free fights, event highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
For the complete KnuckleMania series, see KnuckleMania: The Complete History. For the broader BKFC timeline, see BKFC Major Events.
