Ben Rothwell was a massive underdog going into his fight with Alistair Overeem at UFC Fight Night 50. Apparently, that's just fine with Ben Rothwell.
The big man from Wisconsin absorbed a few exploratory shots from the Dutch kickboxing master, then landed some heavy punches of his own to defeat Overeem by TKO at 2:19 of the opening round.
The 32-year-old Rothwell is now 34-9 in his pro MMA career. He has now won two in a row, having also defeated Brandon Vera by TKO more than a year ago in August 2013. However, Rothwell was suspended nine months after that win following a positive test for elevated testosterone levels.
Overeem, meanwhile, falls to 37-14-1. At 34 years old and sitting at 2-3 in the Octagon, he is starting to face the dreaded "Bust" label.
Alistair Filipovic. Such. a. bust.
— Brent Brookhouse (@brentbrookhouse) September 6, 2014
What We'll Remember About This Fight
The way Overeem appeared to fold up the proverbial tent after he hit the mat. Rothwell landed one of his tree-trunk right hooks right behind Overeem's ear. That punch could fell a tank, so there's no shame in Overeem going down. But the big Dutchman seemed decidedly uninterested in getting back up, staying on all fours with a strangely calm expression on his face as Rothwell landed coffin nails and the referee inched ever closer.
What We Learned About Alistair Overeem
It was a thinner, more streamlined Overeem in there. Did he prepare for a marathon at the expense of the sprint? Did his chin further desert him? Probably yes to both, but I think it's something deeper.
He's the classic cowardly lion of MMA. Not to say he's an actual coward. But when it comes time to pick on guys his own size, he often has a roar that goes unmatched by his heart.
After the referee stopped it, Overeem gave a little shrug, as if to say "he got me." Indeed he did. But Overeem was a big favorite for a reason. His skill set has never been the issue, especially on the feet. But his heart sometimes seems to come and go, and that was again the case Friday night.
What We Learned About Ben Rothwell
That he can beat a top guy. Sure, Overeem has underwhelmed in the UFC, but he's still an elite. Rothwell's best UFC win before Friday was Brendan Schaub.
Rothwell is a friendly and likable guy. He may not be the world's most skilled athlete—and after winning in the first round, his gas tank remains as big of a question mark as ever—but maybe, just maybe, he can become a more regular part of the narrative in the UFC heavyweight division.
I think we can all enjoy his dancing as well.
bruhhhhh“@jimithingamv: @DerekBrunsonMMA https://t.co/UvvZ7EHyD1”
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) September 6, 2014
What's Next for Rothwell
"I'm ready to make my way to the title. This proves that very much for me," Rothwell told broadcaster Jon Anik in the cage after the fight. "It's just me being confident...I got in here and I knew who I was."
Rothwell called for a No. 1-contender's match. So how about Stipe Miocic? Miocic and his point-boxing game have, to date, been very effective, bringing him to a 12-1 career record including a 6-1 mark in the UFC. However, he hasn't faced the stiffest competition; a tangle with WHO would be one of his toughest tests to date.
What's Next for Overeem
Overeem has circled former champion and fellow dynamic boxer Junior dos Santos for some time now. How about making that fight? It would probably be a win-or-go-home situation for Overeem.
Scott Harris covers MMA and other things for Bleacher Report and other places. If you feel so inclined, follow Scott on Twitter.
