Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Werdum to face Rothwell at UFC® 203

Las Vegas – UFC announced tonight that former UFC heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum will take on Ben Rothwell at UFC 203, September 10 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

Werdum (20-5-1; fighting out of Los Angeles, California) defeated former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to win the title last year at UFC 188 in Mexico City. He recently lost the belt to Cleveland native, Stipe Miocic at UFC 198. Miocic will defend his title for the first time against Alistair Overeem in the main event at UFC 203.

Rothwell (36-10, fighting out of Kenosha, Wisconsin) is ranked No. 5 in the world and has won four of his last five bouts. He has 27 wins by knockout during his career.

UFC® 203: MIOCIC vs. OVEREEM will be the first UFC event to take place in Cleveland.