Two behemoths shall stride into the Octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on January 30th, as FOX Sports Live has reported that Josh Barnett will take on Ben Rothwell in a heavyweight clash. The winner of this bout between the #6 and #8 heavyweights (respectively) will likely end up on the short list for title shot against the winner of Fabrcio Werdum vs. Cain Velasquez II.

Josh Barnett vs Ben Rothwell set for UFC on FOX 18

“The Warmaster” Josh Barnett (34-7) is one of the last truly successful fighters of the Pride era. The resurgent heavyweight returned to action this September, dismantling Roy Nelson en route to a unanimous decision victory at UFC Fight Night Japan. The catch wrestling specialist will be looking to make it two in a row with a win over Rothwell. Will “The Warmaster” be able to see this latest enemy driven before him, and hear the lamentation of the women?

“Big” Ben Rothwell (35-9) got the world to take notice with his newfound “evil” sensibilities in his post-fight interview after defeating Matt Mitrionne back at UFC Fight Night 68. Now on a 3 fight win streak, “Big” Ben is trying to get that signature win that will get him a title shot. Can he get that with a victory over Barnett?

UFC on FOX 18 goes down January 30th, live at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. The card will be headlined by a light heavyweight bout pitting Anthony “Rumble” Johnson against Ryan “Darth” Bader in a fight with title implications. Keep it locked to MMASucka.com for more on this and other MMA news.