Ben Rothwell Pays Tribute to Jorge Masvidal After Submitting UFC Newcomer Chris Barnett at UFC Vegas 27

UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell pulled off a second-round submission win over UFC newcomer Chris Barnett at UFC Vegas 27. ‘Big Ben’ locked a rare ‘gogo’ choke submission at 2:07 of round two, although his resume recorded a guillotine choke. Rothwell has been using the technique throughout his career and has put several heavyweight fighters in compromising positions.

Barnett came in with the reputation of being able to throw everything short of the kitchen sink at his opponents. Few have been able to match the power of ferocious hook combinations of the former super heavyweight. However, Ben Rothwell has proved repeatedly that he brings a sense of preparation and technique that’s not always common for heavyweights.

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Ben Rothwell pays ode to Jorge Masvidal

Following his second-round win, Rothwell spoke to Paul Felder on the mic and commented on his victory over Barnett. While acknowledging the importance of securing a win over a UFC newcomer, Rothwell dropped a line that fans picked up on. Chiefly, Rothwell paid homage to Jorge Masvidal’s infamous ‘Super Necessary’ line while discussing the win.

“This was very much a must-win, what’s the saying ‘Super Necessary’ so hashtag that, that’s what this fight was. My back was against the wall, fighting a guy coming in like that. You know I have to show UFC’s another level and props to him stepping up, coming in here.”

“He wanted it bad too and was going to bring it so I had to show him not yet. Not today, not on my watch.”

It’s clear that Rothwell, who was fighting with a chip on his shoulder, wanted to prove he belongs at the top. He was coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Marcin Tybura and was looking to enter the top 15. He’s now 3-1 in his last four fights and will look toward the match-makers to book a bout against a ranked opponent.

What did you make of his win tonight?