Conor McGregor lauds cancer survivor Andrei Arlovski for heroic BKFC title win in bloodbath

Andrei Arlovski has been labelled a ‘hero’ and ‘inspiration’ to the world after becoming BKFC heavyweight champion.

It marks a sensational achievement for the 47-year-old, who defeated fellow ex-UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell at BKFC KnuckleMania 6 on Saturday night.

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Arlovski left Rothwell a bloody mess with a vintage performance.

He utilised his speed advantage over the American and eventually forced a doctor’s stoppage in the third round of their trilogy in Philadelphia.

‘The Pitbull’ has since been rightfully praised by the MMA fraternity, including BKFC co-owner Conor McGregor.

Conor McGregor: Hero not enough to describe Andrei Arlovski

“Andre Arlovski, three-time cancer survivor, is now the Bareknuckle HW World Champ!” McGregor wrote on social media in the aftermath of Arlovski’s win.

“Hero is an understatement!”

Arlovski had taken to social media ahead of the fight to reflect on his three battles with cancer.

The former UFC heavyweight champion turned 47 on February 4 — also World Cancer Day — telling those in a similar position that they are not alone and to keep on fighting.

He reiterated the powerful message after overcoming Rothwell, who he had said would be ‘pretty much nothing’ compared to his three fights with cancer ahead of the main event.

“Guys, people who are in the battle right now with the f***ing cancer, don’t f***ing give up,” Arlovski said on the mic.

“I’m a great f***ing example. Three-time cancer survivor. Keep f***ing fighting.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

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“Life is beautiful.”

Elsewhere on the KnuckleMania card, Middlesbrough’s Ben Bonner claimed a unanimous decision over Tony Soto in a rematch to cement his status as one of the promotion’s hottest stars.

In the co-main event, Lorenzo Hunt dismantled David Mundell in a champion vs champion bout, finishing his fellow American in the fourth round of their cruiserweight clash.

Reports suggest BKFC want Arlovski to fight Leonardo Perdomo, known as the Mike Tyson of bare-knuckle boxing, next.

But for now, the heavyweight veteran and new BKFC champion will get a well-deserved rest.

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