Rothwell–Arlovski, Hunt–Romero Headline KnuckleMania VI Card
Two champions, two rematches: First fights announced for KnuckleMania VI
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has officially announced the card for KnuckleMania VI, and the card features two championship bouts and two high-profile rematches.
The BKFC Heavyweight Championship will be on the line as “Big” Ben Rothwell defends his title against former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei “Pitbull” Arlovski in a trilogy bout. The two have history, with Arlovski stopping Rothwell via third-round knockout in their 2008 Affliction bout before earning a unanimous decision victory in their 2019 UFC rematch.
Rothwell captured the BKFC heavyweight crown at KnuckleMania V last year, flattening Mick Terrill in just 35 seconds. This will be his first appearance since what many consider the most destructive win of his BKFC run. Rothwell had been linked to a Super Heavyweight bout with Alex Simon in July, but BKFC’s planned Australian debut was delayed due to regulatory concerns.
Arlovski enjoyed a highly productive 2025, going 3–0 across three different combat sports promotions. He scored a second-round knockout in Dirty Boxing, earned a fourth-round doctor stoppage of Josh Copeland in his BKFC debut, and added a fourth-round knockout of Kelechi Dyke in his Misfits Boxing debut. All three promotions now list the former UFC champion as their top contender.
The BKFC Light Heavyweight Champion will also be in action, as reigning champion Lorenzo “The Juggernaut” Hunt faces former UFC title challenger and Cuban Olympian Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero.
Hunt returned to BKFC in November after an 18-month absence and reclaimed his title with a dramatic comeback win over Josh Dyer. Hurt and trapped on the ropes, Hunt uncorked a massive right hand—reminiscent of the one that famously put Mike Richman away—to score another highlight-reel finish.
Romero, the 48-year-old ageless wonder, owns 16 MMA victories, 13 by knockout. Known for his snake-charmer ability to lull opponents before unleashing explosive athleticism, Romero has won his last three fights at heavyweight, including two in Dirty Boxing. He is coming off a successful BKFC debut victory in September.
KnuckleMania VI takes place February 7 at the Xfinity Mobile Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In the featured bout, Ben Bonner and Tony Soto meet in a rematch of their June interim lightweight title fight, that Bonner won, and it had come together on short notice.
The card will also feature the BKFC debut of heavyweight Gzim Selmani, a Bellator veteran with kickboxing experience who is also known to fans for his time in WWE as one half of the Authors of Pain.
Additionally, Kaine Tomlinson Jr., who knocked out Pat Sullivan at KnuckleMania V, will look to repeat that performance against his teammate, undefeated rising Philly star Johnny Garbarino. Sullivan will also return, fighting in front of his hometown crowd against MMA and Bare Knuckle veteran Charles “Crazy Horse” Bennett.
Announced bouts
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BKFC Heavyweight Title: (C) Ben Rothwell (4–0) vs. Andrei Arlovski (1–0)
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(C) Lorenzo Hunt (12–2) vs. Yoel Romero (1–0)
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Lightweight: Ben Bonner (4–2) vs. Tony Soto (6–2)
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Women’s Bout: Jade Masson-Wong (3-2) vs. Crystal Pittman (3-3)
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Middleweight: Johnny Garbarino (3–0) vs. Kaine Tomlinson Jr. (2–2)
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Heavyweight: Lex Ludlow (2–0) vs. Zach Calmus (5–4)
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