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Fabricio Werdum vs. Ben Rothwell set for UFC 203 in Cleveland

Esther Lin photo

The UFC's Cleveland debut is shaping up to be a night of heavy hitters.

We already knew Ohio's own Stipe Miocic will return home to defend his newly won UFC heavyweight title on Sept. 10 against Alistair Overeem in the main event of UFC 203.

Sunday, the UFC announced another heavyweight battle for the show, as former champion Fabricio Werdum will clash with Ben Rothwell.

Werdum (20-6-1) returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing the belt to Miocic at UFC 198. Prior to the first-round knockout loss, the Kings MMA fighter had won six straight fights and nine of 10 on his road to the title.

Rothwell (36-10) is likewise looking to shake off a loss. The Kenosha, Wisc. native lost a decision to Junior dos Santos last month in Croatia. That put an end to the most impressive run of his career, as he had won four straight fights, all via finish.

Werdum and Rothwell have combined for 49 victories via finish in their careers.

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