Rafael Carvalho Out-Duels Chidi Njokuani For A Unanimous Decision Win!
Bellator 224 is going down live now (Friday, July 12, 2019), from inside WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The former Bellator MMA 185-pound champion Rafael Carvalho squares off against ex-Tachi Palace Fights Welterweight king Chidi “Bang Bang” Njokuani in the co-main event of the evening.
Our ref for this Middleweight bout is Kerry Hatley. We’re underway!
Round 1
No glove touch, Carvalho kicked off aggressively and delivered a nasty elbow. Njokuani fired back, Carvalho responded with body shots. Anthony ate a few big strikes.
Carvalho secured a great takedown, but Njokuani stood up almost instantly. Carvalho’s head kick attempt is blocked, but Rafael delivered big left hand. Njokuani went for a combo but Carvalho defended well. 10-9 Carvalho.
Round 2
Njokuani pressed forward hard, landing a head kick and two body shots. Njokuani clinches and throws big knees. The fighters separated at 1:59. Nasty blow by Rafael!
Carvalho secured an outstanding takedown. The referee stood them up due to inactivity. Carvalho missed with a right hand, but Njokuani slammed him with a head kick. 10-9 Njokuani.
Round 3
Carvalho presses Njokuani is pressed against the cage and slams him, superb takedown. Short right hands to the head and body. Njokuani tries to hit the opponent with up-kicks but misses. Hard elbow Carvalho. Rafael took his back, Chidi goes for a Kimura but his opponent defends well and controls him. I think 10-9 Carvalho.
Final Result: Rafael Carvalho defeats Chidi Njokuani via unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
Check out the highlights below:
This first round between @RafaCarvalhoMMA and @ChidiBangNjoku
is action packed!#Bellator224 pic.twitter.com/pPaeh72kbS— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2019
👊💥 @RafaCarvalhoMMA is comin' in hot!#Bellator224 pic.twitter.com/YbfJKxV3l6
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2019
.@ChidiBangNjoku with a couple solid body kicks! #Bellator224 pic.twitter.com/zMJYM1s5ft
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2019
Massive takedown from @RafaCarvalhoMMA in the third and final round!#Bellator224 pic.twitter.com/EqnSjjzYGZ
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2019
.@RafaCarvalhoMMA is the winner with a unanimous decision in the co-main event tonight.#Bellator224 pic.twitter.com/SXMsYrRm5Z
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) July 13, 2019
Rafael Carvalho improves the score to 16-3 MMA, 7-2 BMMA, Chidi Njokuani drops to 18-7, 1 NC MMA; 5-3 BMMA.
