Rafael Carvalho vs. Melvin Manhoef title fight rematch scheduled for Bellator 168 in Italy

Bellator 168 and Bellator Kickboxing "Florence" both take place Dec. 10, 2016 at Mandela Forum in Florence, Italy. On tap for the mixed martial arts (MMA) portion of the evening will be a rematch for one of Bellator's most controversial title fights ever, as middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho will put his 185-pound title on the line opposite Dutch kickboxer Melvin Manhoef.

Carvalho and Manhoef originally met in the main event of Bellator 155. A much anticipated bout going in turned into a fight more memorable for eye pokes, F bombs, and warnings for inactivity than actual combat. By night's end it appeared Manhoef had outworked Carvalho and would take his crown.

The judges disagreed and rendered a split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48) that kept the title around Carvalho's waist and left very few viewers in person or at home satisfied. Dec. 10 will be a fresh chance for both men to be more decisive.

The MMA portion will also feature a light heavyweight bout pitting hometown favorite Alessio Sakara against durable MMA veteran Joey Beltran.

Inside the ring, Bellator Kickboxing presents the highly experienced Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) against Jordan Watson (48-11-2) at lightweight, while Denise Kielholtz (45-3) and Gloria Peritore (11-1-1) have a rematch of a fight Peritore won in June in a major upset. This time Kielholtz will have extra motivation as the inaugural flyweight title is on the line.

Updated cards for both portions of Bellator's event in Florence can be seen below.

Bellator 168 "Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2" Card:

Middleweight: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)
Light Heavyweight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Bellator Kickboxing "Florence" Card:

Lightweight: Giorgio Petrosyan (82-2-2, 1 NC) vs. Jordan Watson (48-11-2)
Flyweight: Denise Kielholtz (45-3) vs. Gloria Peritore (11-1-1)

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