Mirko Filipovic and
Ben Rothwell have been scheduled to meet Feb. 21 in Sydney, Australia, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the bout.
Both fighters are coming off disappointing stoppage losses to fast-rising prospects in the heavyweight division. Filipovic retired after two lopsided rounds against
Junior dos Santos in September, and Rothwell had his UFC debut stopped in controversial fashion last month.
The 35-year-old “Cro Cop” is a former Pride star who has had trouble transitioning to the Octagon. Filipovic (25-7-2) has accrued a 2-3 record in the UFC, and during that brief stint he has not displayed the kind of standup firepower that made him one of the sport’s most feared athletes.
He will look to recapture a bit of his former glory when he squares off with Rothwell at UFC 110. Rothwell, a former IFL standout, was in deep trouble against top prospect
Cain Velasquez last month when referee Steve Mazzagatti stepped in and halted the action as Rothwell attempted to climb back to his feet under a hail of Velasquez punches.
Rothwell (30-7) expressed his frustration with the stoppage to Sherdog.com and asserted his belief that the in-ring official should have given him the benefit of the doubt.
“I was climbing back to my feet and unless he drops me or my eyes roll back in my head, the fight shouldn’t be stopped in that situation,” said Rothwell.
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