Alonzo Menifield had to survive Iwo Baraniewski's power before he could end the unbeaten prospect's perfect run. Then he had to finish the fight with a thumb that looked badly broken.
Menifield battled through all three rounds and earned a decision victory over Baraniewski on the UFC 331 main card at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The win gave Menifield consecutive victories and handed Baraniewski the first loss of his professional career.
Baraniewski delivered the early danger
Baraniewski entered the fight with a 9 and 0 record and a reputation as one of the most explosive young finishers in the light heavyweight division. Every professional victory had come inside the distance, and none of his first three UFC appearances lasted longer than 90 seconds.
That danger showed immediately. Baraniewski hurt Menifield more than once in the opening round, drove him backward with heavy combinations, and took top position after another damaging exchange. Menifield stayed composed enough to survive, but the unbeaten favorite clearly controlled the first five minutes.
The fight changed in the second round. Menifield stepped forward behind hard punches, made Baraniewski work through clinch exchanges, and closed the round as the more assertive fighter. Baraniewski still carried serious power, but the quick finish he had produced throughout his rise was no longer available.
Menifield fought through the thumb injury
Before the third round began, the broadcast showed Menifield's thumb bent and badly damaged. A doctor inspected the injury and allowed him to continue. Menifield later said during his postfight interview that the thumb was broken.
He did not let the injury take him out of the fight. Menifield stayed disciplined through the final round, continued to pressure, and did enough to earn the judges' decision. When the result was announced, the veteran had turned away another highly regarded prospect and improved his record to 19 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw.
The image after the fight told the story. Menifield held the bloody thumb toward the camera while speaking with Joe Rogan, showing exactly what he had fought through to secure the victory.
A statement win for Menifield
Baraniewski entered as the younger favorite with momentum, a perfect record, and nine straight finishes. Menifield entered as the experienced test standing between the prospect and the light heavyweight rankings.
Menifield passed his own test after a punishing first round. He absorbed Baraniewski's best early offense, adjusted as the fight developed, and refused to stop when the thumb injury threatened to change everything.
Baraniewski now falls to 9 wins and 1 loss. Menifield leaves UFC 331 with consecutive victories, a memorable image, and one of the toughest performances of the night.