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UFC veteran Ben Rothwell spoils Ovince Saint Preux’s heavyweight debut with tight split-decision points victory

UFC veteran Ben Rothwell spoiled Ovince Saint Preux's heavyweight debut with tight split-decision victory in Florida.

Saint Preux, who was due to face Shamil Gamzatov at light-heavyweight in April before the coronavirus pandemic axed the fight, came into the co-main event off the back of a win against Michal Oleksiejczuk.

 UFC veteran Ben Rothwell spoiled Ovince Saint Preux's heavyweight debut
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UFC veteran Ben Rothwell spoiled Ovince Saint Preux's heavyweight debutCredit: Getty

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But his momentum failed to carry through as he moved up to heavyweight, with Rothwell - who beat Stefan Struve in his last outing to snap his three-fight losing streak - earning the verdict.

Rothwell said after the win: "It was a rough fight, hopefully everyone can put the pieces together as to why. I hope you can see what I’m doing, I don’t know if the me from last year could have gotten through that.

"I feel like I’m doing better and I still have a lot ot show. Not many heavyweight take me down, I have an incredible black belt that teaches me.

"I’m ready to go, I’m ready to put three more together at least, we got it get it done. 40 wins at 37 right now, I need three more for sure."

Saint Preux utilised the cage throughout the opening round but Rothwell's pressure gave him the advantage in an otherwise stalemate round.

In the second the fight kicked into life as OSP fired off left high kicks.

But Rothwell responded with good boxing landing a sharp uppercut and dominated the clinches, sinking in short knees.

OSP did get the last word in the second, as he caught Big Ben coming in with a left hand and dropped him, just before the bell sounded.

In the third and final round Saint Preux came out fast but could not stop Rothwell from getting on the front foot and forcing the action.

 

When up against the cage OSP was forced to defend before the pair traded leather in a good exchange.

Saint Preux did catch Rothwell with two left hands but just failed with a high kick.

But the decision went to Rothwell, who pressured the contest throughout.

 The decision went to Rothwell, who pressured the contest throughout
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The decision went to Rothwell, who pressured the contest throughoutCredit: Getty
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