UFC 331: Alonzo Menifield Edges Iwo Baraniewski by Split Decision

Alonzo Menifield pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career at UFC 331, securing a split decision victory over Iwo Baraniewski in a grueling light heavyweight contest. Menifield persevered through intense adversity, fighting the majority of the bout with a mangled and broken left thumb sustained in the opening round.

The fight developed into a high-impact slugfest from the outset. Baraniewski met Menifield in the pocket as both men traded heavy leather, with Menifield landing sharp combinations while Baraniewski fired back to hurt his opponent against the fence. The exchanges spilled onto the floor, where Baraniewski landed effective strikes, though Menifield remained evasive enough to avoid a stoppage. Menifield then pressed the action in round two, opening with a flurry of punches before battling along the cage and exchanging massive shots.

Heading into the final five minutes, the ringside physician halted the contest to examine Menifield's left thumb, which appeared severely dislocated and barely connected to the hand. Despite the gruesome injury, Menifield insisted on continuing. The light heavyweights traded blows until the final horn, with Menifield landing the more damaging offense late to claim the split decision and secure his second straight victory.