Affliction fighters Ben Rothwell (29-6) and Pedro Rizzo (16-8) have been scheduled to face off at October’s “Day of Reckoning” in a match that will right one ship and sink the other.
Rothwell is coming off a strong effort against Andrei Arlovski at Affliction “Banned” on July 19 that saw him hanging tough - only to eventually succumb to the Belarusian’s superior striking and ability in the third round.
It was Rothwell’s first loss in 14 fights and just sixth overall. He was unstoppable in the now defunct IFL and at just 27 years of age, is at or nearing his prime.
Rizzo on the other hand, may be feeling a sense of urgency. “The Rock” still garners respect from his ability to hit like a wrecking ball, but he’s not been able to demonstrate the kind of striking that made him famous earlier in his career.
His knockout loss to Josh Barnett last month probably hasn’t helped matters, but it looks like he’ll get another chance to turn things around against Rothwell.
From a career standpoint, it could be now or never.
Affliction “Day of Reckoning” takes place on October 11 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada and features the main event of Josh “The Babyface Assassin” Barnett (23-5) vs. Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (13-5).
The winner is expected to meet WAMMA champion and Russian Tyrannosaur Fedor Emelianenko (28-1) for the heavyweight strap at Affliction’s third event.
Also confirmed is the middleweight showdown between Matt “The Law’ Lindland (21-5) and Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (17-8) - pending Belfort’s medical clearance for his post-fight medical suspension from Affliction: ‘Banned’.
More fights are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned.
20 Comments »
They should try to get Horadecki in against Hominic or something.
Rothwell will TKO Rizzo.
who wants to see this fight….
I sure don’t. I think Affliction is quickly running out of fights. Zzzzz
what do u expect? every fight to be a main event. This is equal to if not better than a under card UFC HW fight so I really dont get what u r crying over. This isnt a main event type match up, but its still should be an interesting fight between 2 heavyweights!
I agree, it will be interesting to see if rothwells chin can hold up to the power of rizzo.
fat vs fat!
Zzzzzzzz
I really hope it’s Arlovski to take on Fedor at 3. I like him, alot actually, but I predict Fedor by flying bicycle kick!!
“Russian Tyrannosaur Fedor Emelianenko” Nice!
WHO CARES…THIS IS STACKING UP AS BEING ONE OF THE WORST CARDS EVER!…Elite XC can put together a better card!…UNREAL!…
It’s “Bill S. Preston Esquire.”
Also, you’re wrong.
Also, could anybody look any less intimidating than Rothwell does in this pic?
He’s actually right
the pitbull vs barnett?
rizzo vs rothwell?
Vitor vs linland? (I think)
Either way thats a good start
woops, just read above^
Affliction should sign Travis Lutter
and im being serious
I think Affliction wants exciting fighters and Lutter is good, but he is bring also. That doesnt put people in the seats.
**boring** sorry, not bring
does anybody know where i can find the arlovski vs. rothwell fight online?
Bum Fight
That’s 3 fights with possibility of Babalu-Tito for a fourth fight which is enough for me to plunk 40 bucks for the PPV.
I’d like to see Aleksandar E. if he can get cleared.
And I’d love for them to bring in Melvin Manhoef at LHW. He fights in DREAM, and CageRage as well as K-1 so you know he’s not exclusive.