Issue 039
July 2008
For many mixed martial artists, a win by decision can be disappointing. While it obviously beats drawing or losing, deep down every fighter wants to make a statement and win the knockout, or submission, of the night – after all, it’s these things that keep the fans coming back for more.
Luckily, ending fights has never been a problem for Dutch powerhouse Melvin ‘Marvellous’ Manhoef (20-4-1). Best known for his bull-like explosiveness, the Dutchman holds an unbelievable 95% finish ratio, with the vast majority of his wins being first-round knockouts. Not only has Manhoef demolished every fighter who has ever dared to stand with him, but he has also done it with amazing style, as seen in his one-punch KO of Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman (18-7-1), or his unforgettable war with Chuteboxe veteran Evangelista ‘Cyborg’ Santos (16-11-0).
While he does have a weakness: in his underdeveloped ground game, only two fighters have been able to defeat Manhoef un-avenged; Yoshihiro Akiyama (10-1-0) and Dong Sik Yoon (3-4-0), two accomplished Judokas.
Though he is largely unknown outside of Europe and Japan, all it takes is one viewing of a Manhoef fight to become a lifelong fan. His single-minded aggression and ‘all or nothing’ attitude is truly a breath of fresh air, making Manhoef one of the most exciting fighters in the world today.
“I want to conquer the fans hearts when I’m fighting,” says Manhoef. “I don’t want to be scared of losing. I want the fans to say: ‘Did you see that little black guy? Did you see his fight? Oh man!’”
Originally a Muay Thai competitor, Manhoef got serious about fighting nearly 15 years ago, after an ankle injury ended a potential football career. When the Free Fight craze hit the Netherlands, he quickly made the jump to the new controversial sport. It didn’t take long for the 32-year-old to discover that his ultra-aggressive style was perfectly suited for the cage.
“I’m quick, compact, and explosive,” says Manhoef. “These are all advantages in MMA. Also, I try to bring something extra to the sport. I want to bring excitement, and to make ground fighting explosive. I want to give the fans spectacular fights.”
For an MMA promoter, an attitude like Manhoef’s is a dream come true - which is probably why the light-heavyweight is one of the most sought after fighters in Europe. Virtually every organisation, from Cage Rage, to DREAM, have at one time courted the resident of Amsterdam, and have nothing but good things to say.
However, Manhoef wasn’t always the mild-mannered man he is today. In fact, the Mike’s Gym fighter was a bit of a troublemaker in the past, often associating with the darker elements of society, and even doing a stint in jail. Luckily, Manhoef left his old life behind, after a personal revelation changed him forever.
“I had fought Remy Bonjasky in a kickboxing fight before going to jail,” says Manhoef. “Later, I was in prison and saw Remy on TV becoming the K-1 world champion. At that moment I thought that maybe I had to go for it. In 2004 I came out of prison and since then I’ve been on the straight and narrow. I haven’t done anything, only training hard and fighting hard. I don’t go out, and don’t want to go out - my trainer and everybody around me keeps me on the right path.”
With an excellent reputation, and an even better work ethic, one would assume that it would only be a matter of time before Manhoef entered the UFC Octagon, especially now that the American promotion is scouting the Old Continent for its top talent.
Earlier this year, rumours of negotiations between Manhoef’s management and the UFC started circulating, but it seems a career in the Octagon is unlikely for the light-heavyweight, due mostly to the exclusive nature of UFC contracts.
“They [the UFC] approached me,” says Manhoef. “I would have liked to fight in both their middleweight and light-heavyweight division, but we couldn’t come to an agreement. But I’m getting a lot of offers, so in the future everything is possible.”
Regardless, Manhoef will not be shedding any tears over these developments, as he has attained nothing short of stardom in the Land of the Rising Sun. With the DREAM promotion rising out of the ashes of Pride and K-1 Hero’s, Manhoef will have fights lined up for years to come, especially considering his impressive DREAM debut over Korean Judoka Dae Won Kim (4-4-0). In the bout Manhoef showcased not only his impressive striking, but also his much improved ground game, proving that he has the tools to face the best in his division.
“My goal is simple; to become the DREAM champion,” says Manhoef. “I’d also like to go for the K-1 100 kg title, but only after [team mate] Badr Hari has not got it anymore. I love to train, and I live to fight, but the hardest fight is always the fight with myself. Sometimes it’s hard to stay focused and to keep pushing myself past my limits.”
Few fighters can do what Manhoef does. Not only has he demolished some very highly regarded fighters in the MMA, but he has also entered the K-1 ring and held his own against some equally respectable competition, including Ray Sefo, Ruslan Karaev and two-time K-1 champion Remy Bonjasky. Although he is by no means a master of either sport, Manhoef is looking more impressive with each outing, and may very soon become a legitimate top ten contender in both kickboxing and MMA.
Besides dedicating himself to fighting, Manhoef does his best to be a role model for the younger generations, often speaking of the virtues of athletics and their usefulness in keeping kids away from negative influences. He even organises kickboxing competitions for children, with the winner being awarded a 2500 euro savings account, intended to pay for future education.”
“With the life I lead now, I can be a role model for kids,” says Manhoef. “It makes me happy when I’m trying to keep kids on the right path and show them that sport can change your life. What I say to them is, ‘Go to school, do everything you have to do, because fighting is just like living, you have ups and downs.’
I think it was necessary for me to go to prison, because now I can see all of the bad things that I’ve turned around.”
With things going so well for him, UK fans are left to wonder when they will see the former Cage Rage World light-heavyweight champion again. Soon, promises Manhoef.
“I want to fight in London one more time this year,” he says. “I like the English mentality, I love the atmosphere and the fans. They are very supportive, win or lose - just put on a good show and they’re behind you.”
