Former Bellator champion Rafael Carvalho believes he was overlooked by the judges due to his opponent’s fame. In a close affair against ex-UFC light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida at Bellator 213, Carvalho felt like he did enough to earn the nod. But, the judges saw it differently, resulting in a split decision win for ‘The Dragon’.
In a interview with Combate, Carvalho made his case that the biggest reason Machida was awarded the win may have been because his name carries more weight than Rafael’s.
“I do believe (Lyoto won the decision),” Carvalho said. “Because of who he is, for his record, because he’s a former champion in another organization.