Ben Rothwell vs. Alex Simon Title Fight Headlines BKFC Australia Debut on July 18

Ben Rothwell will face Alex Simon for the inaugural BKFC super heavyweight title as the main event of BKFC’s debut in Australia. The bout is set for July 18 at RAC Arena in Perth, and Rothwell could make history by becoming a BKFC “champ champ” after already winning the heavyweight belt with a swift knockout earlier this year.

Alex Simon enters the ring for his bare-knuckle debut with an opportunity to claim gold on home soil. Known for his strength as a powerlifter, Simon has experience in both MMA and boxing, adding an intriguing matchup for fans.

The co-main event will feature Australian fighter Bec Rawlings against Jade Masson-Wong in a flyweight clash, promising more hometown excitement and competitive action for the first-ever BKFC event in Australia. For more details about BKFC’s Australia debut and fighter backgrounds, visit the official announcement on BKFC’s super heavyweight division title.

BKFC Australia Debut and Event Details

BKFC 79 will mark the promotion’s first event in Australia, bringing bare-knuckle fighting to new fans. Perth’s RAC Arena will host several anticipated fights, with a heavyweight main event and notable matchups on the card.

Event Date and Location

Date: July 18, 2025

Venue: RAC Arena

City: Perth, Australia

The card features Ben Rothwell vs. Alex Simon for the super heavyweight title. It will be the headline fight in a venue known for its large crowd capacity and modern amenities. RAC Arena is located in the city’s center, making it accessible for attendees traveling from within Western Australia or from interstate.

This is the first BKFC event to be held in Australia. The promotion’s expansion to Perth highlights the growing interest in combat sports across the country. Local fans will have the chance to experience a full BKFC card live, including top fighters and local talent.

Significance of the Australian Debut

BKFC’s arrival in Australia represents a major step in the promotion's international growth. This event introduces the bare-knuckle format to a new market and gives Australian athletes like Alex Simon and Bec Rawlings the opportunity to compete at home.

The main event, Rothwell vs. Simon, not only crowns the inaugural super heavyweight champion but also offers Simon a chance to win gold in front of a home crowd. The co-main event showcases Australia’s Bec Rawlings, reinforcing the card’s local appeal.

BKFC’s debut in Perth may set the stage for future international events and is expected to draw attention from local and abroad, with fans eager to see how Australian fighters perform at the highest level. For more event details, visit the BKFC's official news page.

Ben Rothwell vs. Alex Simon: Title Fight Breakdown

Ben Rothwell looks to make history by fighting for a second BKFC title, while Alex Simon steps in as a newcomer with a strong athletic background. This title fight not only marks a milestone for both fighters but also sets the stage for BKFC’s first-ever super heavyweight champion.

Rothwell’s Quest for BKFC Champ Champ Status

Ben Rothwell enters this match with a heavy resume. He is the current BKFC heavyweight champion and holds a 4-0 record in bare-knuckle competition. In January, Rothwell won the heavyweight title with a quick 36-second knockout over Mick Terrill.

Rothwell has previously competed in top MMA promotions, posting a 37-14 MMA record. His experience and finishing power have made him a strong force in bare-knuckle boxing. If he wins against Alex Simon, Rothwell will become the first fighter to hold both the heavyweight and super heavyweight titles at the same time, often called a "champ champ."

Rothwell’s style is aggressive and straightforward. He relies on strength, experience, and striking power, which have resulted in quick finishes in his past BKFC fights. He now aims to add another belt to his collection and further cement his place in the organization’s history.

Alex Simon’s Background and Bare-Knuckle Debut

Alex Simon is making his bare-knuckle debut at this event, entering the ring with a strong background in powerlifting and some experience in combat sports. Simon has a 1-1 record in MMA, and although he has not fought much in professional fighting, he is known for his impressive strength and athletic ability.

Simon last competed in August 2023 in a professional boxing match, but lost via fifth-round TKO (retirement) against Bryce Jones. Many are interested to see how his powerlifting experience translates to bare-knuckle fighting, especially against a seasoned opponent like Rothwell.

For Simon, this is a chance to win a prestigious title in his home country of Australia. The fight will test his adaptability, as he faces a more experienced and proven opponent in Rothwell.

Super Heavyweight Title Implications

This title fight is for the inaugural BKFC super heavyweight championship, marking a first for the promotion. Whoever wins will become the first to hold this new belt. That makes the bout important not just for the fighters, but for the entire division moving forward.

A Rothwell victory would make him a two-division champion, raising the bar for future competitors. For Simon, winning would be a statement that a newcomer can rise to the top immediately, especially in front of a home crowd at RAC Arena in Perth.

Fans can expect high stakes, as both competitors have strong motivations. This fight helps set the tone for what to expect from the super heavyweight category in BKFC’s future events.

Co-Main Event: Bec Rawlings vs. Jade Masson-Wong

This co-main event flyweight fight pairs Australia’s Bec Rawlings against Canada’s Jade Masson-Wong. Both fighters have important histories in BKFC, and the match holds significance for the division.

Background of Bec Rawlings

Bec Rawlings is a veteran of both MMA and bare-knuckle fighting. She has competed in the UFC, Bellator, and has made a name for herself in the BKFC ring. Rawlings is known for her aggressive style and willingness to engage in toe-to-toe battles.

In January 2025, Rawlings ended a three-fight losing streak by beating Taylor Starling by unanimous decision. That win proved she could still compete at a high level after setbacks. Her experience in striking and clinch fighting gives her an advantage in bare-knuckle bouts.

Rawlings has been popular among BKFC fans, thanks to her well-rounded skills and fighting spirit.

Competing at home in Australia adds extra motivation and attention to her return. Her goal is to show she remains a top contender in the flyweight division.

Jade Masson-Wong’s BKFC Journey

Jade Masson-Wong is a Canadian bare-knuckle fighter who entered the BKFC with a background in Muay Thai and MMA. Since joining the promotion, she has built a 3-2 record in BKFC. Her fighting style is based on steady output and accuracy, focusing on landing clean shots.

Masson-Wong last fought Christine Ferea and lost by split decision, showing she can compete against elite opponents. She is recognized for her toughness and ability to withstand damage, making her a challenge for any rival.

Her biggest BKFC win came against Jenny Savage, where Masson-Wong used her range and jab to dictate the pace. She continues to improve, shaping her skills for each fight. With another chance at a high-profile opponent, she seeks to get back in the win column.

Flyweight Bout Significance

This fight is important for the women’s flyweight division. Both Rawlings and Masson-Wong have the potential to move closer to title contention with a win. The bout also highlights BKFC’s commitment to promoting women’s fights internationally.

A win for Rawlings, especially in her home country, could spark a resurgence and put her in line for another big fight. Victory for Masson-Wong would show she belongs at the top level in BKFC and increase her visibility among fans.

This matchup is also part of a high-profile card at BKFC 79 in Perth, giving both fighters a chance to make a statement on a global stage. The result may influence future matchmaking and the direction of the flyweight division.

Notable Fighters and Matchup Histories

Ben Rothwell holds an undefeated record in BKFC after claiming the heavyweight title by a quick knockout. Alex Simon brings a strong athletic background and a mix of combat sports experience but has yet to compete in BKFC. Bec Rawlings recently ended a losing streak, while Jade Masson-Wong has delivered solid performances across five bare-knuckle contests.

Rothwell’s Previous BKFC Success

Ben Rothwell made an immediate impact in BKFC. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning all his fights so far in the promotion. His most notable victory was against Mick Terrill in January when he earned the heavyweight championship with a 36-second knockout.

Rothwell’s striking power stands out. Every BKFC fight he has participated in has ended by stoppage, showing his ability to dominate in the ring. His professional MMA record also supports his bare-knuckle success, as he has faced elite opponents and built a reputation for toughness and finishing ability. Rothwell could become the first BKFC “champ champ” with a victory in the upcoming super heavyweight fight, adding to his legacy.

Simon’s Combat Sports Experience

Alex Simon is known for his powerlifting background. He has also competed in MMA and boxing, giving him experience across different disciplines. Simon’s MMA record is 1-1, showing limited time in that sport, but he is regarded for his strength and athleticism.

In boxing, Simon fought most recently in August 2023, losing by TKO in the fifth round to Bryce Jones. While Simon has not yet fought in BKFC, he gets an immediate title shot in front of a home crowd in Perth. His strong grappling foundation and striking power could help him adapt, but he faces a big challenge against a proven BKFC standout like Rothwell.

Rawlings’ Recent Performance

Bec Rawlings is one of Australia’s best-known combat sports athletes. After a tough run of three straight BKFC losses, she rebounded in January with a unanimous decision victory over Taylor Starling. This win showed her ability to adjust and compete at a high level again.

Rawlings brings years of MMA and bare-knuckle experience. Her boxing skills and aggressive style have made her a fan favorite. The recent win at home gives her momentum heading into this fight against a tough opponent.

Masson-Wong’s Record

Jade Masson-Wong has built a solid record in BKFC. She holds three wins and two losses in the promotion. One of her most recent fights was a close split decision loss to Christine Ferea, who is recognized as a leading fighter in the division.

Masson-Wong’s performances show consistency and toughness. She has experience competing against high-level opponents and has gone to the judges’ scorecards several times. As she faces Rawlings, her technical skills and fight experience in BKFC will be key factors to watch.