R. Carvalho wants to win back the middleweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @rafaelcarvalhodesouza
Bellator middleweight champion for three years, Raphael Carvalho was knocked out Gegard Mousasi in the first round in May this year and lost the belt. Seeking recovery, the Brazilian will face the debutant Lyoto Machida, on December 15th at Bellator 212, in Hawaii (USA). In an interview with Tatame magazine's website, the fighter stated that a victory over 'Dragon' could put him on the path to fighting for the category title.
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“I believe so (belt dispute in case of victory). Therefore, we will both have the knife in our mouths (laughs), to show that we deserve a chance. But, obviously, you have to win and convince to be able to seek a new opportunity”, said Rafael.
Rafael has two months of training ahead of him to face Lyoto in Hawaii. With the start of the camp, the fighter still doesn't have a defined strategy to beat his compatriot. However, he wants to find a way to nullify Machida's style.
“We're still at the beginning of the camp, but there's no one better than André Dida (trainer of Evolution Thai) to devise a stand-up strategy to neutralize Lyoto's difficult style. He really likes to fight on the counterattack. He waits for the opponent to attack before launching a counterattack and defining the fight. But I will be prepared for his style,” explained Carvalho.
At 32, Raphael Carvalho He has a record of 17 fights, with 15 triumphs and two setbacks. After a streak of 15 wins, the Brazilian was knocked out by Mousasi at Bellator 200 in May this year. On 12 occasions, the fighter ended the fight with a knockout.
After six years in the UFC, Lyoto Machida will make his Bellator debut against his compatriot. In his career, the Brazilian has 32 fights, 24 triumphs and eight setbacks. In his last commitment in Ultimate, 'Dragon' knocked out Vitor belfort at UFC 224 in May this year.
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