Bellator 155 Results and Video: Carvalho edges Manhoef in controversial split decision

Bellator 155 traveled to the Spud State of Idaho as top middleweights Raphael Carvalho and Melvin Manhoef boogied for the belt in Boise. Here at the results and highlights from the evening:

Main Card results:

Rafael Carvalho def. Melvin Manhoef via Split Decision (48-47 Manhoef, 48-47 Carvalho, 48-47 Carvalho)- Middleweight Title

Both guys started out showing massive respect for the other man’s striking ability as round 1 seemed to be a bit of a feeling out process. Referee Big John McCarthy had to stop the bout momentarily to warn both fighters about their inactivity.

The second round saw Manhoef and Carvalho exchange kicks until an ill placed knee in the clinch from the champion called a temporary halt to the action. In the third round, things got a tad testy as inadvertent fouls from Carvalho took place. The champion managed to get Manhoef to the ground with a trip but the challenger quickly returned to his feet. Then another low blow from the champion halted the action again as Big John McCarthy had Carvalho’s cornerman translate a warning.

Believe it or not, Melvin Manhoef started a fourth round for the first time in his multi-decade career. Carvalho got Manhoef to the ground and held the side control position to the dismay of the Bellator fans. The fighters get back to their feet but not much action took place. The crowd let them hear it at the close of the fourth bell.

Melvin Manhoef started his first fifth round by launching leg kicks as Carvalho kept his distance. The champion rushed in and pushed Manhoef against the cage but the challenger ended up on top. Carvalho got back to his feet but seemed reluctant to engage. Despite popular opinions, this bout went the distance and the judges awarded the split decision victory to Raphael Carvalho.

Team @RafaelCarvalh74 keeps the gold #Bellator155 pic.twitter.com/5MANglaVo5

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 21, 2016

Pat Curran def. Georgi Karakhanyan via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)- Featherweights

Karakhanyan began the bout by landing some body kicks but was floored by the most significant strike of the fight, a Curran left hand. Curran maintained top control for the remainder of the first round and …

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