Melvin Manhoef (born 11 May 1976) is a retired Surinamese-born Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer.

Manhoef played soccer during his youth, and was introduced to Muay Thai by his younger brother, Moreno.

Wary of Manhoef's standup, Mousasi quickly took the fight to the ground despite attempts to shrug him with a sprawl.

2008 Melvin fought Mark Hunt as a late alternate at heavyweight, despite usually functioning at two weight classes below his opponent.

Regardless of the size disadvantage, he knocked down the iron-jawed Samoan in 18 seconds and followed with punches as he was postured over Hunt, until the referee stopped the fight.

[6] Despite early success on the feet with his striking offensive, Manhoef was taken down and submitted via armbar in the first round.

[7] Manhoef made his debut for the organization against Robbie Lawler on 30 January 2010 at Strikeforce: Miami.

[8] Manhoef returned to the United States in March 2011, facing Tim Kennedy at Strikeforce: Feijao vs.

[citation needed] In 2013 Manhoef fought UFC veteran Brock Larson at ONE FC on 5 April.

He lost to Zabit Samedov by unanimous decision in the semi-finals of the 93 kg/205 lb kickboxing tournament at Legend 2: Invasion in Moscow, Russia on 9 November 2013.

[11][12][13] Manhoef faced Evangelista Santos in a much-anticipated rematch for the Gringo Super Fight Welterweight title on 27 April.

[15][16] He lost to Filip Verlinden in the quarter-finals, suffering a head kick knockdown in round one before losing a majority decision.

On 17 March 2015 Shlemenko was suspended indefinitely for failing a post fight drug test with elevated testosterone levels.

Bellator announcer Jimmy Smith called it one of the worst decisions he had ever seen in the promotion; likewise, 5 of 5 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Manhoef.

[32] However, on 1 November 2018 it was reported that Manhoef pulled out from the event due to injury and he was replaced by John Salter.

[34] As the ultimate bout of his prevailing contract, Manhoef next headlined Bellator Milan against Yannick Bahati on 12 October 2019.

[44] Despite his retirement months ago, Manhoef faced Igor Tanabe on 28 December 2022 at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye x Ganryujima.

[47] On 29 March 2022, Manhoef and other neighbourhood residents apprehended three alleged burglars who had targeted his home near Amsterdam.

He stopped the men from fleeing in a car by performing a PIT maneuver, and then, with the assistance of neighbours, detained the suspects until police arrived.