Bellator MMA middleweight contender Melvin Manhoef faces champion Rafael Carvalho in the Bellator 155 main event in a match-up that promises to provide beautiful violence.
Manhoef brings an aggressive striking game that has resulted in 28 of his 30 wins ending in knockout. Ten of Carvalho’s 12 victories have been knockout finishes. Stylistically, the fight should bring spirited exchanges, and Manhoef believes that he has the advantage in the striking department.
“I think I’m faster. I think my striking is a little bit better than his,” Manhoef told MMAWeekly.com.
Manhoef is a seasoned veteran. He has 45 fights on his MMA resume and doesn’t think Carvalho is going to bring anything to the table that he hasn’t already seen.
“I’ve fought so many guys, so what is he going to bring different? He’s going to do the same thing that I always expect from people. When they come, they come to fight. He’s not going to bring something different for me,” he said. “I don’t think he’s going to bring something different.”
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Manhoef considers Carvalho a well-rounded fighter that presents a unique challenge. Heading into the title fight, Manhoef knows that they’re both have the same intentions.
“I have respect for him, but I know what I have to do to get the job done and that’s what I’m going to do. I think he has the same thoughts,” said Manhoef.
“If he’s going to stand and trade, which is what I expect, it’s going to be a nice fight,” he added. “I think it ends in a knockout.”
