Melvin Manhoef

No Mercy

Netherlands

Bounces back in London
WelterweightBellator
June 24, 2019
Manhoef defeated Kent Kauppinen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at Bellator 223 on Friday in London.
ANALYSIS
Manhoef spent more than two years on the shelf after his second consecutive loss to Rafael Carvalho in 2017, but the 43-year-old made up for lost time with an action-packed fight. The pair of combatants slugged it out on the feet for the first two rounds, where Manhoef showed an impressive chin while also managing to mix in his wrestling game a bit. If there's ever going to be a run at a title, the time is now for the Netherlands native.
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Set to face Kent Kauppinen
WelterweightBellator
April 15, 2019
Manhoef will fight Kent Kauppinen on June 22 in London, Bellator MMA reports.
ANALYSIS
Manhoef has not fought in almost two years after losing to Rafael Carvalho via KO (head kick) at Bellator 176 in Italy in April of 2017. The welterweight was suppose to face Chidi Njokuani in November 2018 at Bellator 210 but was removed from the card due to an injury.
Gets knocked out by Rafael Carvalho in Italy
WelterweightBellator
April 8, 2017
Melvin Manhoef lost to Rafael Carvalho via KO (head kick) at 3:15 of Round 4 at Bellator 176 in Italy on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Manhoeff was allowing himself to be controlled by Carvalho's length for most of the fight, and proved to be no match for him when the two entered into the clinch. Perhaps feeling a sense of urgency after being docked a point for a fence grab in the third round, Manhoeff pushed forward effectively in Round 4, but bit on a fake that left him open for the head kick. Manhoeff's power makes him dangerous, but he has now lost three of his last five fights, and has been KO'ed twice over that span.
Facing Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 176 for middleweight title
WelterweightBellator
February 27, 2017
Manhoef will face Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 176 for the middleweight title, Marc Raimondi of MMA Fighting reports.
ANALYSIS
These two fighters just squared off on May 20 at Bellator 155, resulting in a split decision that was ultimately awarded to Carvalho. Manhoef enters the rematch with a record of 30-13.
Will face Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 168
WelterweightBellator
October 7, 2016
Manhoef will fight Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 168, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Manhoef lost to Carvalho by split decision five months ago but will now have a second opportunity to capture the Bellator Middleweight Championship belt. Manhoef, having lost four of his last eight bouts, will once again have his hands full with Carvalho who is currently riding a 13-fight win streak. The rematch will be held at the Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 10.
WelterweightBellator
November 21, 2015
Manhoef defeated Hisaki Katovia via KO (Punch) at 3:43 of Round 1 at Bellator 146 on Friday in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
ANALYSIS
Manhoef notched a highlight-reel KO at Bellator 146, landing a walk-off left hook at Hisaki Kato's expense. After being rocked by a right hand from Kato, Manhoef responded with several wild counter shots; one of which connecting for a one-punch KO. Manhoef has absorbed considerable damage in recent fights, but is as dangerous a striker as they come in MMA. As he showed on Friday night, Manhoef possesses too much power to be counted out of a fight. With his KO victory, Manhoef likely earned enough goodwill to secure another high-profile fight under the Bellator banner.