Issue 140

April 2016

Big Ben Rothwell strikes again with his patented heavyweight choke.

It’s rare to see something new in MMA. Sure, there are creative jiu-jitsu types across the world coming up with all kinds of submissions and sweeps, though it’s unlikely that you’ll see a UFC fighter pull off a reverse berimbolo in the Octagon. But Ben Rothwell has shown a brand new technique to the world. And while it was impressive to see him pull off this gogo choke on Matt Mitrione last year, it was remarkable to see him tap submission savant Josh Barnett and kick off his 2016 campaign.

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Rothwell is the first man to make Barnett tap out to a submission hold in MMA.

The Wisconsin native was known as a knockout artist, but now with 13 submissions to his name – including two in his last two outings – he’s given heavyweights a warning: underestimate ‘Big’ Ben’s grappling game at your peril.

“Once we get down to the ground I’ve got a lot of nasty tricks to show the world,” he says. “I’ve been training with the best black belts in the world and Rickson Gracie’s very proud of us right now. Luis Claudio’s the one who’s training me – he’s one of Rickson’s black belts.”

Although Rothwell was unwilling to reveal the specifics of his secret technique, it was clear to see the basics of the move. As ‘The Warmaster’ tried to take him down, he grabbed his neck and tucked it into his gargantuan chest. Then after forcing Barnett to his back, Rothwell cranked his neck hard with his caveman strength until the veteran was forced to tap.

“It’s the highlight of my career, by far,” the 34-year-old acknowledged after his success in New Jersey. “(It’s) a huge statement and I know the whole world is up in arms right now.”