Rafael Carvalho’s first title defense in Bellator, a split decision win over Melvin Manhoef in May 2016, was far from memorable.
Almost a year later, the 185-pound champion is looking to impress Saturday in Torino, Italy, in a rematch against Manhoef at Bellator 176 — but don’t think he’s worried about the critics he’s heard from since his last fight.
Carvalho and Manhoef fought for 25 minutes in the main event of Bellator 155 in Idaho in a contest that turned out to be one of the worst fights of the year.