UFC on FX 7 Results: 5 Fights for Ben Rothwell to Take Next

Long gone are the days of Ben Rothwell running over the IFL heavyweight roster. Rothwell’s current career trajectory appears murky; the man has alternated wins and losses in his last seven bouts.

Tonight, he came up short against Gabriel Gonzaga, again preventing the rugged veteran from piecing together two consecutive victories.

With a promotional record of 2-3 Rothwell’s future with the UFC is certainly up in the air. If the man hopes to remain employed by the world’s largest MMA promotion, he’s got to prove he can consistently win fights.

It’s time for Rothwell to rediscover his confidence. These are a few men who might aid him in his cause.

Lavar Johnson

Lavar Johnson presents a few very serious problems—a right hand and a left hand. Take those weapons out of the picture and Johnson’s a guy with nowhere to go inside the cage.

Even after nine years of professional competition, Johnson’s grappling pedigree lacks potency and refinement. The man hits his back and panics.

Ben is an offensive beast once he takes top control, and he’s got a sturdy enough chin to wade through Johnson’s bombs and secure the takedown.

This is the perfect confidence booster for Rothwell.

Philip De Fries

Philip De Fries has split his four UFC bouts, coming up short each time, taking a step up in competition. If he’s matched up with Rothwell, that trend continues.

Rothwell is too seasoned and too gritty to be outworked by De Fries, who’s technically a step behind him in just about every regard.

Shane Del Rosario

Shane Del Rosario entered the UFC fold with major momentum and heavy praise behind him. At 11-0 with 11 stoppages on his ledger, he seemed a man destined to make waves in the UFC.

The problem for Del Rosario is, once he’s forced outside of the first frame of a fight, he begins to fade.

As technically sound as Shane is, it’s improbable that he finishes Rothwell inside of five minutes, which means Ben has a very real chance of handing this once-promising Strikeforce import a third career defeat.

Dave Herman

Is Dave Herman still under contract with the UFC?

I can’t recall hearing word of walking papers being delivered, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been chopped, given the man’s issues outside the cage and his current three-fight skid.

Herman’s got a wealth of natural talent, but lacks the ability to properly assemble all of the ingredients once the kitchen heats up.

Rothwell’s a pressure fighter, and Herman has problems with men who aren’t quick to turtle up once they've been punched in the face. Don’t expect Rothwell to climb inside of his shell if he tangles with Herman.

Christian Morecraft

Morecraft might be fishing on a boat with Dave Herman right about now, wondering the same thing the rest of the world is wondering: What the hell is going on with my career?

Morecraft hasn’t competed in a year and hasn’t picked up a legit victory in two years. With a 1-3 promotional record, his days must be numbered.

Rothwell could be the man to finally usher him from the promotion.

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