Training out of American Top Team, Chris Manuel is BJJ black belt and veteran of Bellator FC, the WEC, and Sengoku promotions. In his early career Manuel has shown good composure throughout his game, as you will rarely seen him getting crazy or over committing at any point in his fights.

Manuel makes an effort to take the fight to the ground where he's armed with competent, composed mat skills. Although he wouldn't be considered an overpowering wrestler, Manuel does work hard for takedowns from in close where he's shown good slams and an effective single leg takedown. At his best from top position, Manuel will need to continue working on his wrestling and especially his takedown defense (as he has proven susceptible to being put on his back). A BJJ black belt under Ricardo Liborio, Manuel possesses a solid jiu jitsu game and good submissions. He shows nice transitions and guard passing from top position, while also making good uses of his punches and effectively using his submission attempts to improve positions. Manuel fights with intelligence - showing good sweeps and sub attempts off his back but he will need to continue refining his guard skills. In his bout with Hatsu Hioki, Manuel was thoroughly outclassed on the mat (fighting off his back) which really highlights the need for him to improve that part of his game, especially given his susceptibility to the takedown.

Manuel isn't shy about using his striking and shows fairly well rounded kick boxing abilities. He throws nice head and body kicks - usually with his lead left leg, works his jab - cross combination, and shows nice defensive skills. Manuel will mix up his punches and kicks, and shows nice dirty boxing skills with the ability to throw effective punches, knees and elbows from in close. Although his willingness and technical skills have continued to progress, Manuel isn't a naturally fast or overpowering striker. He doesn't show quick footwork or speed in his striking, and he may have trouble dealing with the speedier fighters in the division. Going forward Manuel will need to continue working on his technical standup game (both offensively and defensively), in order to truly round out his striking and MMA games.