Best fights of Melvin Manhoef
Over 27 years as a professional, Melvin Manhoef has compiled a 32-17-1 (29) record, including seven title fights across four weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Melvin Manhoef KOs Kazuo Misaki
On December 31, 2009 Melvin Manhoef faced Kazuo Misaki in a middleweight bout. Manhoef was 33 years old with a record of 23-6-1, and Misaki was 33 with a record of 22-9-2. Manhoef was coming off a loss, while Misaki was coming off a win. Manhoef stopped Kazuo Misaki via TKO in the 1st round.
2. Melvin Manhoef KOs Kazushi Sakuraba
On June 15, 2008 Melvin Manhoef faced Kazushi Sakuraba in a middleweight bout. Manhoef was 32 years old with a record of 21-4-1, and Sakuraba was 38 with a record of 24-10-1. Manhoef was on a 4-fight winning streak and Sakuraba was on a 3-fight winning streak. Manhoef stopped Kazushi Sakuraba via TKO in the 1st round.
3. Melvin Manhoef KOs Ryo Kawamura
On October 6, 2012 Melvin Manhoef faced Ryo Kawamura in a light heavyweight bout. Manhoef was 36 years old with a record of 25-9-1, and Kawamura was 31 with a record of 15-6-4. Manhoef was coming off a win and Kawamura was on a 3-fight winning streak. Manhoef stopped Ryo Kawamura via KO in the 1st round.
4. Melvin Manhoef KOs Fabio Piamonte in 51 seconds
On September 10, 2005 Melvin Manhoef fought Fabio Piamonte for the vacant Cage Rage light heavyweight title. Manhoef was 29 years old with a record of 10-2-1, and Piamonte was 0 with a record of 0-0. Manhoef was on a 4-fight winning streak. Manhoef stopped Fabio Piamonte via KO in the 1st round. Won the vacant title.
5. Melvin Manhoef loses to Yoel Romero via KO
On September 23, 2022 Melvin Manhoef faced Yoel Romero in a light heavyweight bout. Manhoef was 46 years old with a record of 32-15-1, and Romero was 45 with a record of 14-6. Manhoef was coming off a loss, while Romero was coming off a win. Romero stopped Manhoef via KO in the 3rd round.
6. Melvin Manhoef KOs Evangelista Santos
On February 4, 2006 Melvin Manhoef defended his Cage Rage light heavyweight title against Evangelista Santos. Manhoef was 29 years old with a record of 11-2-1, and Santos was 28 with a record of 12-7. Manhoef was on a 5-fight winning streak and Santos was on a 4-fight winning streak. Manhoef stopped Evangelista Santos via KO in the 2nd round. Defended the title.
7. Melvin Manhoef loses to Brock Larson via unanimous decision
On April 5, 2013 Melvin Manhoef faced Brock Larson in a middleweight bout. Manhoef was 36 years old with a record of 27-9-1, and Larson was 35 with a record of 36-7. Both Manhoef and Larson were on a 3-fight winning streak. Manhoef lost via unanimous decision. Went the distance with Larson.
8. Melvin Manhoef KOs Yannick Bahati
On October 12, 2019 Melvin Manhoef faced Yannick Bahati in a light heavyweight bout. Manhoef was 43 years old with a record of 31-14-1, and Bahati was 0 with a record of 0-0. Manhoef was coming off a win. Manhoef stopped Yannick Bahati via TKO in the 1st round.
9. Melvin Manhoef loses to Rafael Carvalho via split decision
On May 20, 2016 Melvin Manhoef fought Rafael Carvalho for the Bellator middleweight title. Manhoef was 40 years old with a record of 30-12-1, and Carvalho was 29 with a record of 12-1. Manhoef was coming off a win and Carvalho was on a 12-fight winning streak. Manhoef lost via split decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Carvalho.
10. Melvin Manhoef KOs Denis Kang in 50 seconds
On December 31, 2012 Melvin Manhoef faced Denis Kang in a light heavyweight bout. Manhoef was 36 years old with a record of 26-9-1, and Kang was 35 with a record of 35-15-2. Manhoef was on a 2-fight winning streak and Kang was coming off a win. Manhoef stopped Denis Kang via TKO in the 1st round.