Rothwell vs Gormley Set For UFC 104

by Robert Sargent

Another cancelled Affliction bout has been picked up by another promotion, as former IFL heavyweight star "Big" Ben Rothwell will now battle undefeated former NAIA All-American wrestler Chase Gormley inside the Octagon at UFC 104 on October 24th.

This fight marks the first two UFC signings of former Affliction talent, and could pave the way for more ex-Affliction fighters who aim to move up to the UFC.

Rothwell (30-6-0), who dominated the International Fight League's heavyweight division for 17 months before departing due to a contract dispute, has only gone to a decision four times (two wins, two losses) in his 36-fight career. He has defeated many of the top heavyweights from the past few years including the first and only IFL Heavyweight Champion, Roy "Big Country" Nelson. Had Rothwell stayed in the IFL, he likely would have faced Nelson in a rematch to determine the first IFL Heavyweight Champion.

Instead, he moved on to the Affliction promotion and competed at their debut event, "Banned," last July. Rothwell was knocked out by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski in the third round. He rebounded with a first-round victory over Chris Guillen at Adrenaline MMA 2 in December. The Miletich Fighting Systems standout holds 17 wins by a form of knockout and 11 by submission, and is one of the largest and most well-rounded heavyweight fighters in the world.

Gormley (6-0-0) has quietly made a name for himself after debuting in mixed martial arts in April of 2007. He picked up five straight wins that year, including four by stoppage, and last competed against Eric "Big E" Pele at Maximum Fighting Championships 16: "Anger Management" last May. Despite the long layoff from competition, Gormley remains focused on picking up the biggest victory of his career against Rothwell.

Gormley will need to use his wrestling to take the fight to the mat, where he can prevent Rothwell from landing any power punches. Gormley should be able to avoid submission attempts from Rothwell, but he would be wise not to stand with the former IFL star or his UFC tenure may be a short and painful one.

Rothwell adds some much-needed depth to the UFC's heavyweight division. With a win over Gormley, he will be in line for higher-profile fights inside the Octagon in the future.

UFC 104 takes place on October 24th at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.