Mitrione (photo via UFC / Spike)

By FCF Staff

One of the promising bouts for UFC Fight Night 68 will feature Matt Mitrione and Ben Rothwell, who are both heavyweight contenders, and extremely heavy handed fighters.

Mitrione (9-3) is riding a three fight winning streak heading into the bout, which has not only showcased his stopping power, but also his agility and athleticism. Since Mitrione was choked out by Brendan Schaub in 2013, the TUF vet has stopped Shawn Jordan, Derrick Lewis and Gabriel Gonzaga.

Recently the heavyweight spoke to UFC.com about this Saturday’s fight with Rothwell, and while doing so, he relayed the following:

“I’m going to punch Ben in his face and I’m going to punch him hard,” Mitrione said. “He’s going to do the same thing to me, but I feel that if we get to the point where we’re trading off one-for-one or two-for-one, I’ll end up in the better spot. I’m sure that his plan is to get me to the ground or up against the wall, but I feel extremely prepared for that and if he can’t get me to the ground and he can’t keep me on the ground, he’s going to have a rough night.”

Rothwell (34-9), meanwhile, has won two in a row and is coming off a stoppage win over Alistair Overeem. Rothwell is currently ranked #9 in the UFC’s heavyweight divison, while Mitrione is sitting at #13.

UFC FN 68 will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.