Arlovski Versus Rothwell!

Fighters.com’s fifth-ranked heavyweight “Pitbull” Andrei Arlovski (12-5) announced Wednesday that he has signed a three-fight deal with Affliction and will fight Ben Rothwell (29-5) on 19 July in Anaheim, outside of Los Angeles.

“I had tears in my eyes,” Arlovski described to Sherdog his reaction when he realized he would end his eight-year relationship with the UFC.

Of Rothwell, Arlovski said, “He’s very good.  He’s very dangerous on his feet,” then added a jab at his UFC nemesis, “I think [Rothwell] is a little bit better than Tim Sylvia.”

Arlovski joins fourth-ranked “Maine-iac” Tim Sylvia (24-4), who defeated Arlovski twice in the Octagon, on the debut Affliction card.

“[The losses are] very personal to me,” Arlovski said, and hoped for a rematch.

Fighters.com has reported the likelihood of an Arlovski/Rothwell match-up since April, even after Rothwell denied the fight would happen.