It was painful, but the Brazilian Raphael Carvalho defended the Bellator middleweight belt against Dutchman Melvin Manhoef. The fight, which was the main attraction of the 155th edition, held in the early hours of Saturday (21), in Idaho (USA) did not go the way fans expected as there are two with a reputation as knockout artists. However, despite the tepid duel, the fight ended with a split decision in favor of the Brazilian.
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The fight
The expectation for the duel between Rafael and Manhoef would be a clear fight, with a counter of blows and a devastating knockout for either side. But caution was the key among the middleweights.
The Brazilian started taking the initiative, but didn't let up on his game for fear of the Dutchman's counterattack. In turn, Manhoef even tried some mid-range strikes, but without much success. Rafael, without being on top, even managed a takedown halfway through the fight, which was important for him to take the third round.
After little effectiveness throughout the fight, the last round was the most hectic. Manhoef opened the game and landed good punches and kicks on the Brazilian. Rafael responded and tried to take the fight to the ground, but he was the one who fell on the bottom. Melvin managed to reverse and almost get the mount, but Carvalho quickly recovered.
Given the lackluster fight, the judges ended up having different opinions and the Brazilian came out on top with 48×47, 47×48 and 48×47.
More Brazil
Besides Raphael Carvalho, another fighter from the country who was in the circular cage at Bellator 155. Augusto Sakai drew for the majority with North American Dan Charles.
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