Bellator’s new middleweight champion is set to defend the title for the first time on May 20th at Bellator 155, but he’s got his eyes on more than just MMA in the future.
Rafael Carvalho is getting ready for his first Bellator middleweight title defense. The Brazilian knockout artist is facing power punching legend Melvin Manhoef in the main event of Bellator 155 this Friday, May 20th, in Boise, Idaho. It’s a fight that promises to be something closer to a kickboxing match in small gloves than an MMA contest that tests all realms of the sport.
And to hear both men tell it, that may suit them just fine. Obviously, Manhoef always comes out looking for blood, but in a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Rafael Carvalho seemed assured that he’d be the one to put Melvin to sleep, in either the first or second round.
And from the promise of kickboxing in 4 oz gloves may come the promise of a full on pro-kickboxing career to run alongside his MMA career. Speaking through a translator, Carvalho expressed his desire to hold two belts while fighting under Bellator: the middleweight title which he already earned in his upset war over Brandon Halsey, and a kickboxing title under Bellator’s fresh kickboxing side of the promotion.
Carvalho has a long history in Muay Thai training under Noguchi team and LA Sports. While he hasn’t competed at a high professional level in a striking-only combat sport he could make a very interesting addition to the Bellator kickboxing roster if they’re willing to let him spread his wings a bit.
Of course, first things first, he’s got to get by Melvin Manhoef. The Bellator 155 main card starts tomorrow night at 9PM Eastern (and 9PM Pacific on tape-delay). Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more complete coverage of the event.