Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho wiped away any doubts from his controversial split-decision win over Melvin Manhoef last May.
The Brazilian champion scored a clean head-kick knockout in the rematch against Manhoef at this Saturday’s Bellator 176, which took place at the Pala Alpitour in Torino, Italy.
The fight looked to be en route to a decision favoring the defending champ. The first round was an even contest, as Carvalho dictated much of the action, but Manhoef scored the most significant move, seizing a takedown and retaining top control with a minute left in the round.