I have a confession to make. I might be the only person on this internets-web-thingy talking about the arts of martial (you know, the Pankrations) that’s never been to the famous “underground”. I know Joe Rogan goes there, and Dana White has been known to interact with fans there, but I’ve never been there. Heard it puts hair on ‘ya chest. I’m not sure if that makes me about it all because I might never have been sullied, or a point and mock target, ala FightLinker.
Whatever the case, I thought of the underground and what they must be saying (a million voices all screaming at once I presume) about this Ben Rothwell character. I’d like to throw in my two cents and be a frontrunner on the backlash bandwagon scheduled to leave a message board near you sometime in the next two months.
I’m referring to the report from Sam Caplan yesterday, and I’m not whoring the guy - Fiveouncesofpain.com - but he says he hear from a guy, who knows a guy, who once met Big Ben. Apparently Ben Rothwell won’t be in the IFL Grand Prix - Kurt Angle swears he’s available - because of contractual issues. If I read this right, Ben is keeping his options open in case someone else asks him to the homecoming dance. He wouldn’t mind going steady with IFL kingfish Kurt Otto again, but I think he’d like a sweeter deal. Perhaps they never “go anywhere anymore!”
Rothwell is the IFL’s top heavyweight in an otherwise desolate division. When you’re most notable opponent is a recently sobered up Ricco “flippy-flop belly” Rodriguez on four days notice, you’re skating on easy street. I think it’s starting to show. I also think that if Rothwell leaves the nest, which he should, there could be growing pains.
A large majority of those who stayed awake for the IFL season came away with two top draft picks, and alot of solid journeymen and/or young developing kids. The two names; Rothwell and Chris Horodecki. The latter is a nineteen year old prospect, looked great in flashy lightweight wars, but at a young age needs time to develop. Rothwell needs the same.
I’ve seen several of his fights this year, and Rothwell’s body isn’t the only thing soft about him. Don’t mistake me, he obviously has talent and Monte Cox is apparently trying to fetch him a zero or two on the end of a contract, but Rothwell better take a year or two before we start talking about him in the UFC heavyweight decision. He’s just not ready yet. And if Pro Elite or Strikeforce grab him, they should be careful how far they push him.
I’m not a proponent of pushing a talked about talent into a big match, like many wanted to do with Roger Huerta. I’m not saying give the guy a punch of fat heavies with no experience, but guys who are roughly 8-12 ranked heavyweights for the next year, and follow that with one or two high-level fighters just outside of UFC’s league (at least in terms of who they choose to have). I’d say May of 2009, that’s a good time for him to debut at UFC level. I realize he’s been fighting for almost seven full years now. I know he’s got an affiliation to Pat Miletich, and theoretically has a strong group of winners and experience around him. But some people mature differently then others in sports. Our expectations may not be realistic for Rothwell just yet. He looks like he’s finally starting to come into his own, where others might have done so three years ago.
Going forward, I think if he resigns with IFL and does the Grand Prix, make sure Monte Cox gets you double, Mr. Rothwell. And only sign for a year. Make the focus of this entire year be training for May 2009. Hold yourself back and use that possible disappointment as motivation.
The same goes for a signing with ProElite. A Three fight deal seems fair - three fights in a year to 14 months; very doable. 13 in a row is pretty impressive, but I’d suggest Miletich mentally wipe Rothwell’s mind clean, and set him up for a three tier fight plan to greatness.
If Dana White ponies up the money though, or Pro Elite gives him something tough stylistically in a second or third fight, get ready for a backlash. It’s inevitable. Hopefully Rothwell is mindful of business and his professional development. Ego and pride can wait. After all, he’s a young guy. Your twenty-sixth birthday is next week. The Champion of the world is 44 years old.
E-mail John Philapavage at johnnyp@mmaopinion.com
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