A heavyweight showdown between Stipe Miocic and Ben Rothwell has been finalised for UFC Fight Night in Dublin. It will come on the card of Dustin Poirier vs. Joe Duffy on October 24.
Confirmation of the fight came via the UFC Europe's official Twitter feed:
It's official! The heavyweights are coming to #UFCDublin! @stipemiocicufc vs @RothwellFighter https://t.co/qEkxR0YL13 pic.twitter.com/3JNLWPXXtL
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 14, 2015
The bout is set to co-headline the event alongside Duffy’s clash with the highly rated Poirier.
It’s a bout that is likely to provide a clearer picture of what is becoming an increasingly congested heavyweight division.
Rothwell has done tremendously well over the last year to cement his status as a top heavyweight contender, with quickfire finishes against Alistair Overeem and Matt Mitrione testament to the American’s strong recent form.
But in Miocic, who was an emphatic winner against the durable Mark Hunt earlier this year, he’ll face an opponent who is dynamic, athletic and keen on taking a major step toward a UFC title opportunity. If he can end Rothwell’s recent upturn, he’ll have a valid case for a shot at the championship, which is currently held by Fabricio Werdum.
Werdum is set to go up against Cain Velazquez in a rematch of their June showdown, which the current champion won via a guillotine choke. But further the down the line, the winner of the Miocic-Rothwell bout should propel themselves right into the reckoning for the ultimate prize.
