Best fights of Rafael Carvalho
Over 12 years as a professional, Rafael Carvalho has compiled a 17-8 (12) record, including eight title fights across two weight classes. Here are his best fights.
1. Rafael Carvalho KOs Brandon Halsey
On October 23, 2015 Rafael Carvalho fought Brandon Halsey for the vacant Bellator middleweight title. Carvalho was 29 years old with a record of 11-1, and Halsey was 29 with a record of 9-0. Carvalho was on a 11-fight winning streak and Halsey was on an undefeated 9-fight winning streak. Carvalho stopped Brandon Halsey via KO in the 2nd round. Won the vacant title.
2. Rafael Carvalho KOs Alessio Sakara in 45 seconds
On December 9, 2017 Rafael Carvalho defended his Bellator middleweight title against Alessio Sakara. Carvalho was 31 years old with a record of 14-1, and Sakara was 36 with a record of 19-11. Carvalho was on a 14-fight winning streak and Sakara was on a 3-fight winning streak. Carvalho stopped Alessio Sakara via KO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
3. Rafael Carvalho defeats Gustavo Machado
On July 13, 2013 Rafael Carvalho fought Gustavo Machado for the vacant Smash Fight middleweight title. Carvalho was 26 years old with a record of 6-1, and Machado was 38 with a record of 23-9-1. Carvalho was on a 6-fight winning streak and Machado was coming off a win. Carvalho won via unanimous decision. Won the vacant title.
4. Rafael Carvalho KOs Melvin Manhoef in their 2nd fight
On April 8, 2017 Rafael Carvalho defended his Bellator middleweight title against Melvin Manhoef. It was their second meeting. Carvalho was 30 years old with a record of 13-1, and Manhoef was 40 with a record of 30-13-1. Carvalho was on a 13-fight winning streak, while Manhoef was coming off a loss. Carvalho stopped Melvin Manhoef via KO in the 4th round. Defended the title.
5. Rafael Carvalho loses to Lorenz Larkin via split decision
On May 7, 2021 Rafael Carvalho faced Lorenz Larkin in a middleweight bout. Carvalho was 34 years old with a record of 16-5, and Larkin was 34 with a record of 22-7. Carvalho was on a 2-fight losing streak, while Larkin was on a 4-fight winning streak. Carvalho lost via split decision. Went the distance with Larkin.
6. Rafael Carvalho defeats Melvin Manhoef
On May 20, 2016 Rafael Carvalho defended his Bellator middleweight title against Melvin Manhoef. Carvalho was 29 years old with a record of 12-1, and Manhoef was 40 with a record of 30-12-1. Carvalho was on a 12-fight winning streak and Manhoef was coming off a win. Carvalho won via split decision. Defended the title.
7. Rafael Carvalho loses to Lyoto Machida via split decision
On December 15, 2018 Rafael Carvalho faced Lyoto Machida in a middleweight bout. Carvalho was 32 years old with a record of 15-2, and Machida was 40 with a record of 24-8. Carvalho was coming off a loss, while Machida was on a 2-fight winning streak. Carvalho lost via split decision. Went the distance with Machida.