UFC On ESPN 4 Main Card Preview & Predictions

6. Andrei Arlovski (27-18-2) Vs. Ben Rothwell (36-11)

1375925

The main card opener is a showdown between longtime UFC heavyweights, Andrei 'The Pitbull' Arlovkis and 'Big' Ben Rothwell.

'The Pitbull' is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion who usually relies on his kickboxing to get the job done. The 40-year-old veteran has lost his last four fights, albeit one of those losses was overturned when his opponent Walt Harris tested positive for a banned substance. If Arlovski wants to remain on the UFC roster, he desperately needs a win here.

37-year-old Ben Rothwell was on the verge of earning a title shot before he was defeated by Junior Dos Santos in April of 2016. Following the fight with Dos Santos, Rothwell would end up having to serve a two-year suspension due to a failed drug test. He returned last March and lost via controversial decision to Blagoy Ivanov. Rothwell is larger heavyweight who prefers to stand and bang, but also has a solid submission game which includes his signature "GOGO" choke.

This actually a rematch. These two men previously faced each other in July of 2008, with Arlovski emerging the victor via KO. However, their previous match was over a decade ago and they are now very different fighters.

Both men are savvy veterans, so there will likely be a feeling-out process in the early going. Based on their recent fights, this will probably be a somewhat methodical striking match. At this stage in their careers, Rothwell looks to be the sharper, more explosive fighter. Still, despite his recent string of losses, 'The Pitbull' has managed to go the distance in his last seven fights. Look for Rothwell to outpoint the former champ here.

The Pick: Rothwell via decision.