Yoel Romero vs. Melvin Manhoef: Bellator 285 Odds, Prediction

Jordan Ramsay
September 22, 2022

The co-main event of Bellator 285 from Dublin, Ireland on Friday features two veteran MMA fighters going toe-to-toe as Yoel Romero and Melvin Manhoef face off in a light heavyweight bout. This could be a send-off event as it is widely expected Manhoef will retire after the fight.

Romero is a massive -820 favourite to win on the MMA odds, while Manhoef is a +505 underdog.

Yoel Romero -785
Melvin Manhoef +510

Yoel Romero Bellator 285 Odds

Romero has a 14-6 record in a professional career that dates back to 2009. He has 12 career wins via knockout and two via decision. Currently ranked No. 7 in the Bellator light heavyweight division, the 45-year-old also spent seven years in the UFC, challenging for the middleweight belt four times. Key career victories include wins over notable fighters like Derek Brunson, Chris Weidman and Luke Rockhold.

“Solider of God” made his Bellator debut last September in a split decision loss against Phil Davis. He last fought in May, defeating Alex Polizzi by knockout in the third round. That win snapped a four-fight losing streak and was just his second victory in his last seven fights.

Romero will have a 2.5-inch reach advantage in this fight. His last fight showed that he still has the showmanship, power and chin that made him a fan favourite when he fought in the UFC. Romero is a pure knockout artist with a fluid and powerful striking ability. What sets him apart from Manhoef, however, is his wrestling ability. Romero’s best strategy for this fight is likely to punish Manhoef with heavy shots before moving the fight to the ground.

Melvin Manhoef Bellator 285 Odds

This is expected to be the final fight of Manhoef’s nearly 30-year career. Since his professional MMA debut in 1995, he has a record of 32 wins, 15 losses, one draw and two no decisions. The 46-year-old is a former Cage Rage light heavyweight champion and he has also competed for Strikeforce, DREAM, RINGS, It’s Showtime, K-1, ONE FC and KSW. With 29 of his 32 career wins coming via knockout, he has the highest knockout percentage ever of any MMA fighter with at least 15 wins.

Ranked No. 9 in the Bellator light heavyweight division, “No Mercy” has fought in the Bellator promotion since 2014, putting together a 4-4 record with one no decision. He vied for the middleweight championship twice, losing both challenges against Rafael Carvalho. It’s been a long layoff for Manhoef as he hasn’t fought since a second round knockout loss against Corey Anderson at Bellator 251 in November 2020.

Manhoef has a short stocky frame, but he has immense power and he is still a knockout threat. The best strategy for Manhoef in this fight is likely to try to get inside on Romero and land big shots to the head and body. This will undoubtedly be a tough fight for Manhoef, but it’s a winnable one despite what the oddsmakers say. Connecting with the right clean shot could turn this fight into a massive upset.