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          Rafael Carvalho to defend title vs. Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 176

          • Brett OkamotoFeb 27, 2017, 10:39 PM
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          Bellator MMA middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho will defend his title against Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 176 on April 8 in Torino, Italy.

          Officials announced the 185-pound title fight on Monday. The televised event will take place inside the Pala Alpitour arena.

          The championship bout is an immediate rematch of a five-round fight from May 2016. Carvalho won a narrow split decision in Boise, Idaho.

          Carvalho (13-1) has not suffered a loss since his professional debut in December 2011. He will be seeking his second title defense.

          Manhoef (30-13-1) is a former professional kickboxing champion, with 28 career knockouts in MMA.