MMA fighter Ben Rothwell has built an impressive career over nearly two decades in the sport’s premier promotions. His journey has encompassed key victories, championship pursuits, and financial windfalls from fights, endorsements, and investments.
Introduction
Ben Rothwell is a heavyweight mixed martial artist who has competed in several of MMA’s top promotions. Over a professional career spanning 19 years, Rothwell has built a diversified portfolio between fight purses, bonuses, endorsements, appearances, and prudent investments.
Brief Background
Now 41 years of age, Rothwell began fighting professionally in 2001. He made his octagon debut in 2009 at UFC 104. Rothwell has since amassed over 40 career fights, facing elite competition across various MMA organizations.
Key Career Facts and Accomplishments:
- 36 career victories with over 30 stoppage wins
- Former IFL Heavyweight Champion
- Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night UFC bonus winner
- Notable wins over top contenders like Stefan Struve, Brendan Schaub, and Josh Barnett
Rothwell has earned well over $1 million in career UFC fight purse payouts. Factoring in bonuses, endorsements, appearances, and other business pursuits, his net worth sits comfortably in the multi-million range.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1981, Rothwell took an early interest in combat sports and athletics. He excelled in high school football and lacrosse before focusing on martial arts training as a teenager.
Discovering His Passion
Rothwell began training in Muay Thai and kickboxing when he was 17 years old. He soon added Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling to his growing skill set. Within his first year of training, Rothwell began competing in amateur kickboxing and unlicensed MMA events around the Midwest.
Going Pro
By 2001, Rothwell felt prepared to make his professional MMA debut. He entered a one-night tournament in Wisconsin and emerged victorious with two TKO wins. This marked the beginning of a new 19-year professional career.
In the first five years, Rothwell amassed over 20 wins fighting primarily for regional Midwest promotions like Dangerzone and Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO). He quickly developed a reputation as an aggressive striker and formidable submission grappler.
Rise to Prominence
Rothwell’s performances attracted the attention of International Fight League (IFL), one of the early players in MMA promotion. His fortunes soon catapulted as a heavy favorite on the national stage.
Finding Success in IFL
Rothwell made his IFL debut in September 2006 with a first round knockout. His success continued in the fledgling promotion, where he racked up an impressive 7-fight win streak against notables like Krzysztof Soszynski and Ricco Rodriguez:
| Opponent | Event | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krzysztof Soszynski | IFL: Championship Final | Win (UD) | 12/29/2006 |
| Devin Cole | IFL: Houston | Win (TKO) | 2/2/2007 |
| Ricco Rodriguez | IFL: Las Vegas | Win (UD) | 6/16/2007 |
Claiming Gold
On September 20, 2008 Rothwell challenged Chris Guillen for the IFL Heavyweight Championship. He won by a dominant unanimous decision to claim his first major MMA title. Rothwell defended the belt once successfully before the IFL ceased operations.
This gold and his winning streak amplified Rothwell’s profile, name value, and income just a few years into his pro career.
Octagon Debut
In 2009 Rothwell transitioned to the UFC, making his promotional debut against Cain Velasquez. Despite losing, Rothwell earned one of the biggest payouts of his career at UFC 104. This pattern of big checks for big fights defined his early UFC run.
Earnings from MMA Fights
Rothwell has garnered over $1 million in reported career fight purse payouts in the UFC and other organizations. Between show money, win bonuses, and performance incentives, Rothwell has monetized big ticket bouts against MMA’s elite:
UFC 104: Velasquez
- Salary: $90,000 (flat rate, no win bonus)
- Outcome: Loss (TKO)
UFC Fight Night: Dos Santos
- Salary: $100,000 (flat rate, no win bonus)
- Outcome: Loss (Decision)
ESPN+ 19 UFC on: Struve
- Salary: $200,000 ($100k to show, $100k win bonus)
- Bonuses: Fight of the Night ($50,000)
- Outcome: Win (TKO)
- Total: $250,000
Rothwell also likely earns undisclosed locker room bonuses from UFC promoters for exciting performances. His stoppage heavy style delivers value and helps drive fan interest.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
In addition to fight purses and bonuses, Rothwell has supplemented his MMA income through select sponsorship deals and endorsements.
Longtime Partners
The regional banking firm Town Bank has sponsored Rothwell for several years—a relationship likely forged out of shared Wisconsin roots. Clothing brand Cage Fighter has also been a familiar logo across Rothwell’s UFC fight shorts.
Jacob Wirth Co., an old-school Austrian restaurant and brewery in Boston counts Rothwell as an ambassador. As a paid sponsor, Rothwell makes promotional appearances on the company’s behalf when competing in New England fight cards.
These long-term regional partnerships have provided Rothwell recurring sponsorship income throughout his career. National or international sponsors could offer another income stream as his stardom grows late in his career.
Business Ventures
Aside from fighting and sponsorships, Rothwell is also involved in:
Gym Ownership
Along with his head trainer Duke Roufus, Rothwell co-owns Roufusport MMA Academy in Milwaukee. Roufusport trains top MMA prospects and professionals under its banner. As a co-owner Rothwell likely receives distributions relative to his equity stake.
MMA Promotion
Rothwell is also a lead promoter in his native Wisconsin by way of Rothwell MMA events. Rothwell MMA hosts regional events, develops local talent, and provides a pipeline for fighters to reach higher-level promotions. Income sources likely include ticket sales, concessions, and broadcast rights.
Both the gym and regional promotion represent revenue streams outside Rothwell’s competitions. As an equity partner, he benefits financially from business growth and asset appreciation.
Investments and Real Estate
For an MMA fighter still actively competing, Rothwell has notable personal investment holdings:
Stock Portfolio
In a 2018 interview, Rothwell cited prudent stock investing as part of his wealth-building strategy:
“I’m fortunately in a position where I can [invest] safely with allowing my money to make money…I’ve invested a lot into stocks—Microsoft, Apple…”
Strategically investing in leading tech stocks has likely earned substantial long term returns. Rothwell seems to grasp the importance of wealth preservation and disciplined investing.
Real Estate Holdings
Rothwell also noted owning Wisconsin area apartment complexes as part of his investment portfolio. While details are scarce, diversifying into income property likely produces significant cash flow.
Between public stocks and direct private real estate, Rothwell makes his money work hard via capital appreciation and passive income. Fighting fame fades fast, but sound investing practices set up lifelong financial security.
Personal Assets
With millions in career earnings augmented by smart investments, Rothwell can afford lavish personal assets as well:
House
Rothwell purchased a 7,800 square foot house on a massive countryside plot of land in Kenosha, Wisconsin—his childhood home city. This spacious custom mansion provides quiet serenity outside the public eye.
Car Collection
Rothwell also uses Instagram to showcase his impressive vintage car collection. These includes classics like:
- 1969 Dodge Charger
- 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS
- 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
While gorgeous, these automobiles likely represent sunk costs more so than investments. Still, Rothwell’s varied four- and two-wheel assets demonstrate immense career earning power.
Financial Management
Managing money wisely is crucial for Rothwell to preserve wealth as his athletic career slows. There are strong indications he has developed financial discipline.
Saving Over Materialism
Despite his lavish home and car collection, Rothwell exhibits prudence and saving in many lifestyle choices. He continues residing in Wisconsin away from fight hotspots to avoid state income taxes. Rothwell also continues driving older model vehicles, noting in interviews the desire to live below his means.
Wealth Protection
Rothwell demonstrates awareness on wealth protection by sheltering assets from lawsuits. He keeps his home and car collections under his wife’s name. This suggests a desire for familial wealth preservation above ego.
Philanthropy and Charitable Contributions
Rothwell has been involved in charitable foundations over the course of his career:
L.E.G.A.C.Y Foundation
Following the unexpected death of MMA veteran Chris Leben, Rothwell started his own foundation called Leave a Legacy (L.E.G.A.C.Y) in his friend’s memory:
“Wins, losses, knockouts, submissions none of them matter anymore. What matters is the man I leave this earth.”
Among various causes, the foundation raises money for low income and at-risk youth to train MMA. This promotes discipline, community, and athletic opportunity for kids who need it.
NFL Alumni Fundraiser
Rothwell has also lent his star power to fundraising events for the Wisconsin chapter of the NFL Alumni organization. The non-profit provides health, education, and financial assistance to ex-NFL players in need. An appearance from Rothwell likely boosted event proceeds and exposure.
While not a massive personal expense, these charitable participations do demonstrate social consciousness and community commitment.
Net Worth Analysis
Taking stock of Rothwell’s total portfolio, his accumulated net worth likely falls between:
$5 million and $10 million
Driving this net worth estimate are Rothwell’s:
- Multi-million career fight earnings
- Investment portfolio and real estate assets
- Significant equity stake and distributions from Roufusport gym ownership.
Conservative spending habits also help preserve wealth. Despite his success, Rothwell maintains a blue-collar Midwestern lifestyle keeping costs low.
In all, Rothwell exhibits savvy similar to other veteran fighters in parlaying battle riches into a diversified, passive income-generating portfolio outside the cage wars.
Future Prospects
As a heavyweight contender now past his competitive peak, Rothwell likely only has a few years left battling MMA’s best. However, the Wisconsin native has shown foresight to set himself up for financial success after his fight career concludes.
Residual Income Streams
Rothwell can count on ongoing income from Roufusport gym distributions and various real estate/stock investment holdings. Book deals and speaking engagements could also pad his accounts during retirement.
MMA Transition
Rothwell may increase focus on Rothwell MMA promotion and talent development upon retiring. Full-time promoting would keep him involved in the regional scene that birthed his career.
Between smart investing, business holdings, and prudent spending, Rothwell has prioritized building a comfortable life after fighting.
Legacy and Impact
With many thrilling performances under the brightest lights, Rothwell leaves behind a proud legacy. His efforts expand MMA’s foothold in Wisconsin through Roufusport and Rothwell MMA while inspiring other regional standouts.
Key Contributions
- Elite heavyweight contender for near 20-year run
- IFL Heavyweight Champion
- Co-founded premier Milwaukee MMA gym
- Primary Wisconsin MMA promoter
Rothwell helped catalyze an MMA explosion in America’s Dairyland through both competitive excellence and regional infrastructure-building.
Conclusion
In nearly two decades grinding through MMA’s proving grounds, Ben Rothwell has forged an impressive financial portfolio. He transitioned regional start to national stage spotlight, earning career fight purses over $1 million excluding bonuses and endorsements. Rothwell has further parlayed cage success into equity stakes, property investments, and income generation for lasting wealth security.
At age 41, and likely approaching his competitive twilight, Rothwell has exhibited the same determination and thrift outside the cage that defined his 24 years as a prizefighter. Though the final purse totals remain unclear, Rothwell appears positioned to enjoy a comfortable post-career life largely free of financial stress or active work requirements thanks to his diligent wealth building efforts.
